Yokohama Beer launches new product “Yokohama Saison” with the concept of “a relaxing drink.”

Brewmaster Shoichi Ida holding Yokohama Saison. ‘We preserved tradition while adding modern essence with new hops. The fresh aroma should help you forget the daily rush.’

Yokohama’s local beer brand “Yokohama Beer” (6 Sumiyoshi-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama) will release “Yokohama Saison,” the sixth installment in its craft canned beer series, on April 1.

“Saison” is a traditional beer style originating from Belgium, characterized by spicy, floral aromas and a dry finish. This product combines Saison yeast with new hops called “Krush,” offering fresh citrus notes reminiscent of mandarin oranges and tropical fruits.

The concept is “a cup of rest.” Saison, also known as farmhouse ale, was historically brewed in Belgium to refresh workers during farm breaks. In developing this product, the Saison style was projected onto modern lifestyles, aiming for a cup that “lets the tension melt away from your shoulders amidst the hectic daily routine.”

“We struggled to keep the bitterness low. ‘Saison’ means ‘season’ in French. I hope people go outside and enjoy it while feeling the season,” says Brewmaster Shoichi Ida.

Each can contains 350 milliliters and costs 427 yen. It will be sold at Yokohama Beer’s brewery-adjacent beer stand “YOKOHAMA BEER STAND,” online stores, and select retailers inside and outside Yokohama.

On the release day, April 1, a commemorative event will be held at “YOKOHAMA BEER STAND” and the main restaurant “UMAYA” (6 Sumiyoshi-cho, Naka-ku). Visitors will receive one free can of Yokohama Saison as a welcome drink, along with one free try at a “miniature can gacha” machine.

The team color of B2 League team ‘Yokohama Excellence’ is green. (Photo from the Yamagata game held in December 2025)

Men’s professional basketball B.League Division 2 (B2) team Yokohama Excellence secured a playoff spot on March 29 after winning an away game against Iwate.

The game was closely contested from the start. In the third quarter, leading by seven points, they were temporarily tied, but player Tatsuya Nishiyama immediately hit a three-pointer to regain the lead. They maintained control throughout the final quarter, winning decisively 92-72.

After the game, Head Coach Ryuji Kawai said, “There were aspects we couldn’t fully improve from the previous game. A key factor (in winning despite that) was that our Japanese players scored well when we needed points.”

Yokohama Excellence is based at Yokohama Budokan (2 Oki-cho, Naka-ku). They achieved a perfect championship in the B3 league during the 2024-25 season and joined B2 this season. Despite being in their first year after promotion, they have maintained consistent performance, reaching a record of 32 wins and 19 losses with this victory. They currently hold third place in the East Division. Their winning season was confirmed by results on the 28th, marking the team’s first winning record in B2 and first playoff appearance ever.

There are five remaining home games in the regular season. The April 1 game against Aomori will be held at Yokohama BUNTAI (2 Futoo-cho, Naka-ku), the April 4 and 5 games against Nagano at Yokohama Budokan, and the April 25 and 26 games against Fukushima at Tokky Security Hiratsuka General Gymnasium (1 Ohara, Hiratsuka).

After the regular season ends in late April, a tournament-style playoff among the top eight teams will be held in May.

</

Yokohama Beer

Yokohama Beer is a historic Japanese beer brand that originated in Yokohama, one of the first ports opened to foreign trade in the mid-19th century. The beer was first brewed in 1869 by the Japanese government’s experimental brewery, which later became part of the Kirin Brewery Company. Today, it is celebrated as a symbol of Japan’s early modernization and Western influence, with modern craft breweries often reviving its traditional recipes.

Yokohama Budokan

Yokohama Budokan is a major martial arts arena in Yokohama, Japan, opened in 2020. It was built to host a variety of martial arts competitions, concerts, and cultural events, serving as a modern venue for both traditional and contemporary activities. The facility continues the legacy of Japan’s budokan tradition, which emphasizes the promotion of martial arts and physical culture.

Yokohama BUNTAI

Yokohama BUNTAI is a modern multi-purpose entertainment and sports facility located in Yokohama, Japan. Opened in 2020, it serves as the successor to the historic Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium, which was originally built in 1962 and hosted numerous concerts, exhibitions, and sports events. The new venue continues this legacy by offering state-of-the-art amenities for performances, competitions, and community gatherings.

Tokky Security Hiratsuka General Gymnasium

Tokky Security Hiratsuka General Gymnasium is a multi-purpose sports facility located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Originally opened in 1974, it has served as a venue for various athletic events, including basketball, volleyball, and martial arts competitions. The gymnasium was renamed in 2012 after acquiring naming rights from Tokky Security, a local security company, reflecting a common practice in Japan to support public facilities through corporate sponsorship.