Introduction
Itsuo Yamaguchi, Head Brewer at Iwami Beer
At first, you might imagine a serious, analytical scientist.
But when you meet Itsuo Yamaguchi, you quickly realize he’s anything but distant. He’s energetic, open, and quick to laugh.
In fact, he says with a smile:
“To be honest, I actually like sake the most.”
He is constantly creating.
Not only did he develop a unique brewing method, he also built his own canning machines and launched a business producing retort-pack foods.
His mindset is simple:
“If it doesn’t exist, make it. If it can’t be done, find a way to make it possible.”
Because of this, people often call him:
“The Edison of Shimane.”
In September 2024, he opened a brewery inside Hashi Station, an unmanned station operated by JR West.
From there, he is now working on developing the surrounding “station-front area,” using beer as a catalyst for local revitalization.
From Science to Craft
Born in 1977 in Hiroshima, Itsuo Yamaguchi studied fungi at Shinshu University’s graduate school.
During his university years, he immersed himself in mushroom research and even launched a mail-order business selling rare mushroom cultivation kits.
After graduation, he hoped to enter the sake industry. However, that path did not work out.
Instead, he joined a miso manufacturer in Nagano.
Later, he returned to his hometown to take over the family woodworking business, producing wedding chests and beekeeping boxes.
At one point, he even considered starting his own beekeeping operation. However, he discovered he had a bee allergy and had to give up that plan.
The Birth of an Unconventional Idea
Everything changed after attending a lecture, where he became interested in craft beer.
As he began exploring brewing, he spoke with many people and experimented with new ideas.
Eventually, he developed a completely original method:
Using a chest freezer and plastic bags for brewing.
This became known as the “Iwami Method.”
Starting from Zero
At first, he tried to launch his business in Hiroshima.
However, no one supported the idea of brewing beer in plastic bags.
So he took a chance and entered a business competition in neighboring Gotsu City, Shimane.
In 2014, he won the grand prize at the Go-Con Business Contest and also received high recognition in a competition hosted by San-in Godo Bank.
As a result, he founded Iwami Beer in 2015.
Brewing with Local Ingredients
He began full-scale brewing in 2016.
Today, he creates unique craft beers using seasonal local ingredients, reflecting the flavors of the region throughout the year.
In 2020, he relocated the brewery to the grounds of a hot spring resort called Kazenokuni in Gotsu.
A Brewery at an Unmanned Station
In September 2024, he opened a new brewery inside Hashi Station, an unmanned railway station.
The facility also includes a taproom, where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed beer on site.
Beyond brewing, he is involved in event planning and management, consulting for obtaining brewing licenses, and designing beer production systems.
Connecting People Through Beer and Sake
In collaboration with Autabi, he launched a unique experience on the JR San’in Line:
The Beer & Sake Train.
He is also working on developing the “station-front area” around Hashi Station, creating a new kind of local destination.
Looking ahead, he plans to expand into non-alcoholic beer and craft cola.
He continues to take on new challenges with the goal of growing together with the local community.
【Experience Highlights】
- Discover the unique Iwami brewing method using plastic bags
- Visit a brewery inside a real unmanned train station
- Taste craft beer made with local seasonal ingredients
- Meet an innovative brewer known as the “Edison of Shimane”
- Experience a project that blends craft, railways, and regional revitalization
Meet Itsuo in Person
This is not just a story about innovation.
Visit the brewery, ride the Beer & Sake Train, and experience how his ideas are transforming the region.
→ View the Experience
