Second Wave of NANA Creator Ai Yazawa’s Yebisu Beer Collab Cans Launches This Summer
Sapporo Breweries has officially revealed the second wave of its highly successful beverage collaboration with celebrated manga artist Ai Yazawa.
The new “Yebisu Beer Ai Yazawa Design Can” brings a touch of seasonal elegance to the classic Japanese brew just in time for the hot weather.
Ai Yazawa, a native of Hyogo Prefecture who made her professional debut in 1985, is widely celebrated for defining generations of shojo manga.
She has penned numerous beloved hits such as Paradise Kiss and Neighborhood Story, though she is perhaps most famous for NANA.
The iconic manga series became a massive social phenomenon and notably secured the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award back in 2002.
This exciting new beverage endeavor serves as a direct follow-up to the initial partnership between the artist and the brewery that launched earlier this year in March.
The first wave was a massive hit, featuring a modern update to the classic beauty portraits that Yebisu has utilized since the Meiji era.
The artwork of this second wave of collaborative cans centers around the evocative themes of the glamour of a summer evening and the cool moments of summer.
The beautiful new illustration features a woman dressed in a traditional yukata, capturing the refined and graceful atmosphere of enjoying a summer festival.
Yazawa utilizes her signature delicate touch to render the gorgeous scene, which is warmly illuminated by the soft glow of a paper lantern.
The visual perfectly encapsulates the feeling of taking a refreshing and luxurious break during the humid Japanese summer months.
Fans will have the option to purchase the “Yebisu Beer Ai Yazawa Design Can” in both standard 350ml and larger 500ml sizes.
A set of exciting promotional campaigns are also running alongside the product launch.
Sapporo Breweries is hosting a special lottery where consumers can win exclusive merchandise featuring the new summer artwork.
The highly desirable A Prize will be awarded to 500 lucky winners across the country.
Each of these fortunate individuals will receive the “Ai Yazawa Original Illustration Riedel Glass Beer” prize, which includes a sophisticated set of two branded glasses.
The celebration extends beyond the shelves, as physical collaboration events are currently being planned for July to highlight the stunning new artwork.
These immersive showcases will be held at the YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO facility and a secondary location in Nagoya.
Event organizers will share more detailed information regarding exhibits and potential merchandise offerings in mid-June.
The second wave of the “Yebisu Beer Ai Yazawa Design Can” collaboration will officially launch across Japan on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
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