Niiza Craft

Niiza Craft has an amazing background. Its parent company is System Advance Co., Ltd., a photomask manufacturer that's been around for over 40 years. A company with precision technology from the semiconductor field started making beer.

President Taichi Ueno set a new-business challenge: 'Something that can visibly contribute to Niiza City.' Then the brewing lead, Yasunaga Nakajima, proposed, 'Let's do craft beer.' Nakajima himself started with zero knowledge of beer brewing.

Their 'NAKAJI'S PALE ALE' and 'NAKAJI'S IPA' won silver awards at the Japan Great Beer Awards 2026. NAKAJI is Nakajima's nickname. They’ve produced results in one of Japan's largest judging competitions, so their growth is hard to believe came from a zero start.

What's interesting is how rooted they are in the local community. They use groundwater from a deep well in Niiza City for 25% of their brewing water, and they've started growing hops in a field next to the brewery. They’re even planning a beer that uses carrot leaves discarded by local farmers.

It's available at 7-Eleven stores in Niiza and Fujimi cities, and it's also offered as a hometown tax return gift. More recently, they released a limited-quantity 'MINORI PILSNER' and have also set up a booth at Asaka's 'Kuromegawa Sakura Festival.'

They also make 'NAKAJI'S HELLES,' which is smooth and low in bitterness, making it incredibly friendly for craft beer beginners. It feels like all their labels are packed with Nakajima's desire to liven up Niiza.