One of Japan's biggest beer makers has opened a new brewery in central Tokyo. The launch marks the first time in about 36 years for Sapporo Breweries to make beer in Ebisu.
Officials held a ceremony for the facility's grand opening. It's located not far from the popular Shibuya shopping and entertainment district.
Sapporo invested over 11 million dollars in the site. The new brewery can produce 130 kiloliters of beer annually. Visitors can get a firsthand look at how it's made. There's also a bar where people can taste just-brewed beer and limited-edition varieties only available on-site.
Sapporo's predecessor company started brewing beer in Ebisu in 1890. The nearby train station and areas were named after the Yebisu brand. The company closed the brewery in 1988 due to difficulties expanding the facility.
◆brewery （ビールなどの）醸造所 a place where beer is made, or a company that makes beer
◆the first time in about 36 years 36年ぶり
◆predecessor 前身、前任者、先人 someone who had your job before you started doing it OPP successor / a machine, system etc that existed before another one in a process of development OPP successor