
The Abashiri Brewery in Hokkaido which, judging by its website, really is some kind of beer-themed Willy Wonka side project, boasts what may be the world’s first naturally blue beer.
Always ready to get drunk for the sake of our readers, RocketNews24 took it upon ourselves to investigate this mystifying beer anomaly, appropriately named the Ryuhyou Draft (“Ice Floe Draft”), at a beachside pub.
We half expected the whole thing to be some kind of hoax; a regular beer served in a blue novelty glass or what have you. But upon pouring the bottled brew into a clear glass (and again into a clear party cup), we were surprised to find that it is, in fact, completely blue.
And not just any blue. We’re talking intense, almost neon blue. Walter White’s meth blue.
So blue you’d be forgiven for thinking it was some kind of toxic substance, but in fact it’s okay to drink and also tastes great! True to the beer’s name, it’s crisp and refreshing with a good bite.
Ryuhyou Draft is made with the standard beer fare, plus naturally occurring substances that give the drink its distinctive color, and somewhat disturbingly, Chinese Yam (best known for its slimy consistency when grated and resemblance to a certain bodily fluid).
You can search for a location that sells Ryuhyou Draft, or order online at the Abashiri Brewery’s website.
Photos: RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]






We try blue beer made with drift ice from Hokkaido
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Japan’s Poképark Kanto Pokémon theme park area shows first attraction photos
Japan’s first-ever wanko soba conveyor belt restaurant opens in Tokyo
TeamLab Planets: Walk up a waterfall and catch koi fish at new digital art museum in Tokyo
Hayao Miyazaki comments on Chihiro’s final test scene in Spirited Away
Is Mario’s Birdo a boy or a girl? Years after her first appearance, the debate rages on
This Tokyo rice ball takes 20 years to make and 2,000 yen (US$14.30) to buy, but is it worth it?
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Village Vanguard’s most expensive Black Lucky Bag sets an ominous tone for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply