Let's get it started

Way back when (about three months ago) we decided to start blogging about craft beer in Japan. We were frustrated that there weren't many English sites out there talking about craft beer in Japan, and foreigners were almost totally excluded from the small culture that comprises Ji-beer. Most Japanese people still don't know squat about their own craft brews, even ones that may be close by. I have several friends that just refer to it as "black beer" and they only talk about how it doesn't compare to Super Dry.
Why is it that craft beer here just can't seem to take hold? There are many theories and everyone has their reason--but the truth is that we just don't know. Japanese ji-beer remains largely unknown and unavailable in most places in Japan. A convienence store right next to a brewery most likely won't stock the microbrews beers, yet they will carry 16 different brands of happoshu. And that friends, is where the answer lies. (in my opinion)
Most people in the world (for whatever reason--marketing, milder taste, history) like lighter beers, and everyone wants the beer they drink to be cheaper. In a way you must hand it to the Japanese brewers...they found a way to make super cheap beer, pass that savings on to the customer, and still turn a profit. Damn you capitalism.
Anyways, a little hobby that we started a few months ago is gaining some momentum. We will be modifing the site, adding some of our own touches soon, and trying to expand what we do. Basically we want to create a place that lets English speakers obsessed with beer find their way around Japan...and if you have been here any length of time, you know that ain't always easy. So far we have "friends" in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima (that post here anyway) and that's one hell of a start. I'll toast to finding out more about Japanese Ji-Beer...and helping it catch on in the process!