Sapporo Beer's popular brand, Yebisu Beer (ヱビスビール), previously teamed up with "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure" creator Hirohiko Araki for two waves of "Hirohiko Araki-designed cans," which sparked a massive buying frenzy.
Now, following their initial collaboration in March, Yebisu Beer is once again partnering with "Nana" manga artist Ai Yazawa to launch the second wave of "Yebisu Beer x Ai Yazawa Limited Edition Design Cans." These limited-edition cans are set to hit shelves nationwide in Japan starting July 7, 2026.
For anyone who's seen "Neon Genesis Evangelion," Yebisu Beer should ring a bell – it's one of Misato Katsuragi's absolute favorite brews! The brand is all about fostering positive vibes and enjoyable connections through its beer, making it a super popular series under Sapporo Beer.
This isn't Ai Yazawa's first rodeo with Yebisu Beer; the first wave of their collaboration actually dropped back in March. That initial release saw Yazawa-sensei reinterpret Yebisu Beer's iconic Meiji-era "beauty" posters with her signature modern flair, which was met with rave reviews.
Now, for the second wave, the theme is all about the "glamorous atmosphere of a summer night" and "refreshing summer moments." The new artwork, bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, depicts women in yukata, soaking in the summer festivities. Yazawa's distinctive delicate brushwork brings a high-quality, sophisticated vibe to these summer scenes.
To celebrate the launch, Yebisu Beer is also hosting a "YEBISU Beer x Ai Yazawa Original Design Merchandise Lottery." If you snag a collab can with a "Winning" label, you're in for a chance to win some sweet prizes:
A Prize: Original Illustrated Glass (500 winners)
B Prize: Original Design Can Set (3x 350ml, 3x 500ml, total 6 cans, with original collector's box) (3,500 winners)
Plus, keep an eye out for Ai Yazawa collaboration events happening in July at YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO and Nagoya! Full details are expected to drop around June.
So, if you're heading to Japan, these limited-edition cans will be hitting retailers everywhere starting in July – don't miss out on this fresh second wave!
via： サッポロビール