Hello everyone, this is Sushi Hatake!
Today, I’d like to share a delightful discovery I made involving one of Japan’s most iconic beers — Yebisu Beer.

Encountering a Special Bottle

The other night, after finishing work, I stopped by a local izakaya and casually ordered a bottle of Yebisu Beer.
As I waited for it to be poured into my glass, I happened to glance at the bottle’s label—and something caught my eye.

It looked a little different from the usual Yebisu label.
Looking closer, I noticed that instead of holding just one red sea bream (tai), the figure of Ebisu was holding two fish!

Curious, I asked the staff about it.
“Oh! That’s a Lucky Yebisu!” they said. “It’s a rare bottle that only appears once in several hundred.”
I was thrilled to learn I had stumbled upon something special!

What Is Lucky Yebisu?

The contents of Lucky Yebisu are the same as regular Yebisu Beer, but the label design is special and rare.
Normally, Ebisu is depicted holding just one sea bream, but in the Lucky Yebisu version, he’s holding two fish.

According to Sapporo Breweries, it appears at a rate of only about one in several hundred bottles.
Maybe it’s a sign of good fortune coming my way!

About Ebisu-sama

The figure on the label is Ebisu-sama, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology, known as the deity of prosperity and bountiful fishing.
He’s usually depicted with a big smile, holding a fish.

When he’s shown with two fish, it’s believed to symbolize double the blessings—an especially lucky sign.
As someone striving to become a top sushi chef, it felt like a very auspicious moment!

The Perfect Pairing: Beer and Sushi

By the way, do you enjoy pairing sushi with beer?
While sake is the traditional companion, beer—especially a rich one like Yebisu—pairs wonderfully with certain types of sushi, such as white fish or sweet shrimp (ama-ebi).

When I handle the dinner service on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Sushi Kawa in Sasazuka, I often suggest drink pairings to suit the sushi of the day.
Not just sake, but sometimes beer or wine too—each enhances the beauty of sushi in its own way.

Appreciating Life’s Little Lucky Moments

Finding a Lucky Yebisu might seem like a small thing, but I believe noticing these little blessings in daily life is important.
In my own journey from farmer to sushi chef, I feel like each step was built upon small, lucky moments.

I hope you, too, can find joy in the little pieces of luck that surround you every day.
And if you ever order Yebisu Beer, don’t forget to check the label—you might just spot a Lucky Yebisu!

Experience Authentic Edomae Sushi in Tokyo

Of course, delicious beer deserves delicious food.
If you’d like to experience authentic Edomae-style sushi in Tokyo, come visit Sushi Kawa in Sasazuka during Tuesday or Wednesday dinner service, where I, Sushi Hatake, will be preparing sushi for you.

We also offer private sushi catering for homes and parties, as well as sushi-making workshops that welcome international guests.
English-speaking service is available, so please feel free to reach out if you’d like to entertain guests from abroad.

Reservations and inquiries for catering and sushi experiences are welcome via our contact form or social media.
I look forward to having a “lucky” encounter with you soon!