Teshima Factory

Do you know Teshima Island, floating in the Seto Inland Sea? On this small island with about 700 people, there's a factory with a brewery attached.

Amuse, the major talent agency, is running it as part of its Setouchi Project. When Daichi Sato, who was in charge of the project, was assigned to Teshima, he ran into the reality that there were no supermarkets or restaurants on the island. That led him to start creating a place that would add color to everyday life for both island residents and visitors.

The building is great too. It was originally a Toshima stone processing plant, then became an ironworks, and architect Tadashi Nagasaka renovated it. The roughly 370-square-meter space is divided into brewing and dining areas, the interior uses recycled materials from ocean plastic waste, and the chairs were made together by Dutch artist Sander Wassink and island residents.

What they brew there is "Lulu Beer." The IPA is an aromatic style inspired by the gentle climate of the Seto Inland Sea, and the pilsner is a refreshing beer you can gulp down after farm work. It feels like drinking the island's air itself.

They also have a limited series called "Canned Island," including "Golden Mellow," made with citrus harvested on the island. The food centers on island vegetables and fish, and the tableware is made with items donated by island residents.