Yebisu Beer and manga artist Yuzawa Ai have reunited for a second collaboration, launching the “Yebisu Beer Yuzawa Ai Original Design Can” Volume 2 nationwide on July 7, 2026, in limited quantities. To celebrate, the co-creation project “Yebisu no Bijin-ga to Yoimatsuri” (Yebisu’s Beautiful Woman Paintings and Evening Festival) is being held at YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO in Tokyo until August 31. AnimeAnime attended the advance preview to report on the event.
Second Collaboration Cans Launch
Yuzawa Ai is one of Japan’s most celebrated manga artists, known for works such as Tenshi Nanka Janai, Gokinjo Monogatari, Paradise Kiss, and NANA—the latter becoming a social phenomenon and winning the Shogakukan Manga Award in 2002. The first collaboration in March 2026, titled “Monode o Irodoru Yebisu no Bijin-ga-ten,” was a hit as an experiential exhibition encouraging visitors’ new beginnings.
This second edition is themed around a summer festival (natsu matsuri), featuring a newly drawn bijin-ga (beautiful woman painting) by Yuzawa-sensei. The event is designed as an “adult summer festival” where visitors can experience the excitement and fulfillment of summer. The space is decorated with lantern motifs from the artwork, immersing guests in the world of the illustration.
The Exhibition: ‘Yebisu no Bijin-ga to Yoimatsuri’
Upon entering YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO, the first thing that catches the eye is a giant “bijin-ga yagura” (beautiful woman painting tower) in the center. It displays two newly drawn bijin-ga by Yuzawa-sensei, titled “Ryo – Dai Ikkei” (Ryo – First Scene) and “Ryo – Dai Nikei” (Ryo – Second Scene). The design themes are “the brilliance of a summer evening” and “a cool, refreshing summer moment,” depicting a woman in a yukata enjoying the summer atmosphere with delicate brushwork.
The woman depicted, named Ryo (涼), is a friend of Aya (彩), who appeared in the first collaboration. The two are shown visiting the summer festival together. According to staff, Yuzawa-sensei said the most enjoyable part this time was drawing the yukata. Ryo’s yukata features lily patterns, but as she drew, the details became so intricate that she worried whether the can printing could reproduce them.
Reproduction original paintings of the bijin-ga are also on display. As mentioned, this collaboration is a continuation of the first, forming a single story. The reproductions use nostalgic Japanese colors and textures, conveying not only the lively energy of festivals and fireworks but also an underlying melancholy.
A special work exclusive to this venue depicts what happens after the two women’s summer festival visit, as if they have come to YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO to relax. The illustration uses a different style from the bijin-ga, so visitors are encouraged to note the difference in atmosphere.
In addition to the exhibition, there is an interactive element: a giant “summer festival lottery.” Those who post about the event on social media can participate. Insert a special coin and turn the handle to receive an original Yebisu logo sticker.
Other attractions include a stamp corner with the new bijin-ga design, and sales of original goods featuring the illustration, such as fans and T-shirts perfect for the season.
Original Beer and Food
YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO is also offering an original beer brewed to match the bijin-ga theme, called “Suzune no Hanayagi” (涼音の華やぎ). This beer uses three types of hops to create a citrus-like refreshing aroma and a light, sharp taste.
Limited-time food menus are also available: “Adult Butter Potato” with curry, truffle salt, and bacon accents; “Chocolate Banana” reminiscent of festival stalls; and “Macarons” that often appear in Yuzawa’s works. These pair well with the Suzune no Hanayagi beer.
Event Details
The event will also be held in Nagoya at the JR Gate Tower Event Space from July 13 to July 20, 2026.
Tokyo Venue:
Location: YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO
Period: July 8 (Wed) – August 31 (Mon), 2026
Hours: Weekdays 12:00–20:00, Weekends & holidays 11:00–19:00
Closed: Tuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a holiday)
Admission & goods purchase: No reservation required; entry may be restricted depending on congestion.
Nagoya Venue:
Location: JR Gate Tower Event Space
Period: July 13 (Mon) – July 20 (Mon), 2026
Hours: Weekdays 11:30–20:00, Weekends & holidays 10:30–20:00 (July 13 only 17:00–20:00)
Admission: No reservation required
Goods purchase: Requires a numbered ticket; online reservation from 14:00 the day before each event day.
Limited Beer “Suzune no Hanayagi”:
Release: From July 8 (Wed), 2026, exclusively at YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO
Note: Limited quantity, ends when sold out.
(C) Yuzawa Manga Seisakusho/Shueisha
— Report by Yoneda Kaori
