Miyazaki Hideji Beer announced that it had received an Excellence Award at the 10th Monozukuri Nippon Grand Award. The theme of this year’s award was:

> "Not letting it end as a fad! Beer brewing in which agriculture, commerce, and industry all circulate together, product development that makes use of local resources, and efforts toward a regional circular society"

In all, the company was recognized as one of 37 initiatives selected from across Japan.

Hideji Beer Mukabaki Brewery is a craft brewery based in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture. In a natural setting at the foot of Mount Mukabaki in Sobo-Katamuki Quasi-National Park, it continues to make locally rooted beer using high-quality natural water and fresh, home-cultured yeast. On its official website, the company promotes the message "Think Global,Brew Local." to show its commitment to looking out toward the world from the local region.

The company’s history dates back to June 1996, when the brewery was established in Mukabaki Town, Nobeoka City. In 2010, after an EBO, it relaunched as Miyazaki Hideji Beer Co., Ltd., and since then it has continued developing products that make use of local ingredients, including "YAHAZU," made with 100% barley grown in Miyazaki Prefecture, and "Kuri Kuro KURI KURO Dark Chestnut Ale," which has earned international acclaim.

The reason given for the award was not simply that the company makes good beer, but that it has built a circular system connecting agriculture, manufacturing, and the local economy. Its efforts in hop cultivation and its steady development of products that make use of local resources are what led to this recognition.

The fact that a small regional brewery was selected for an Excellence Award in a national manufacturing awards program shows that craft beer reflects not only "flavor," but also the relationship between a place and its people. In Hideji Beer’s next glass, the climate of Nobeoka and 30 years of accumulated experience are firmly packed in.