Shiro Yamada
How did you get into the beer industry? Why does beer matter to you?
I entered the beer industry after a life-changing experience in Europe during my postgraduate studies. Visiting small breweries and drinking locally made beers opened my eyes to beer as a cultural product, not just a mass-produced beverage. Later, hearing a talk by an entrepreneur who had built a brewery without prior industry experience convinced me that I could do the same. That moment pushed me to study brewing seriously and eventually start Far Yeast Brewing in Japan. Beer matters to me because it represents diversity, creativity, and connection. I wanted to create beers that express both global brewing culture and Japan’s local character by using regional ingredients and unique fermentation approaches. At the time, Japanese beer was not well recognized internationally, and I felt there was an opportunity to change that perception. To me, beer is more than alcohol—it is a medium for storytelling and community. Each beer reflects the place it comes from and the people who make it. Through brewing, I hope to show that beer can be both deeply local and globally meaningful.
Why do you judge at the World Beer Cup? What does judging at the World Beer Cup mean to you?
I judge at the World Beer Cup because I want to contribute to the continued development of the beer industry. It is one of the most respected beer competitions in the world, and taking part in this process allows me to support high standards of quality and evaluation. Judging also gives me the opportunity to connect with judges from many countries and backgrounds. Exchanging ideas and perspectives helps me better understand global brewing culture and technical trends. Most importantly, judging at a world-class competition is a valuable learning experience. What I learn through evaluation and discussion feeds back into my own brewing and allows me to contribute to better beer and stronger local brewing communities.
What else would you like the world to know?
I would like the world to know that meaningful beer can come from very small places. Far Yeast Brewing is based in Kosuge Village, a mountain community in Japan with a population of about 600 people. There, we try to brew beer using local fruits, grains, and hops whenever possible, working closely with farmers and producers in the region. Through this work, I have learned that brewing is not only about producing beverages, but also about creating connections between culture, agriculture, and community. Even a small rural village can participate in the global beer scene when its local identity is respected and expressed through beer. Today, our beers are exported to 27 countries, which shows that products rooted in a specific place can still resonate internationally. By learning from the global brewing community and bringing that knowledge back home, I hope to continue contributing to both better beer and the long-term vitality of local communities like Kosuge Village.
