Hello, this is Sushi Hatake.
Today, I’d like to share an exciting discovery about one of Japan’s most beloved beers — Yebisu Beer.
An Unexpected Encounter
The other day, I stopped by an izakaya (Japanese pub) on my way home from work and casually ordered a Yebisu Beer. As I waited for it to be poured, something on the bottle’s label caught my eye.
It looked slightly different from the usual Yebisu label.
Looking closer, I noticed that instead of the usual one sea bream, the Ebisu god on the label was holding two fish!
When I asked the staff about it, they exclaimed, “Oh! That’s a Lucky Yebisu! It only appears in about one out of every few hundred bottles!”
What is Lucky Yebisu?
Lucky Yebisu is a rare bottle of Yebisu Beer. The beer inside is exactly the same, but the label design is special:
- Regular version: Ebisu holding one sea bream
- Lucky version: Ebisu holding two sea bream
According to Sapporo Breweries, Lucky Yebisu appears in only one out of several hundred bottles — roughly a 0.3% chance.
Spotting one is easy: just check how many fish Ebisu is holding on the label. Next time you order a Yebisu, take a closer look!
Ebisu and His Connection to Fish
The figure on the label is Ebisu, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin). He’s the god of prosperity in business and abundant fishing.
Ebisu is traditionally depicted holding a fishing rod and a sea bream (tai), and has been worshipped by fishermen and those who work with fish for centuries.
As a sushi chef who works with fish every day, finding a bottle with Ebisu holding two fish felt like a sign of good luck.
Beer and Sushi Pairing
By the way, have you ever tried pairing beer with sushi?
Sake is the classic choice, but beer can also create wonderful pairings:
- White fish (sea bream, flounder) × Crisp pilsner-style beers
- Silver-skinned fish (kohada, aji) × Sour beers with acidity
- Rich toppings (toro, uni) × Full-bodied beers like Yebisu
A rich, malty beer like Yebisu pairs especially well with sushi that has deep umami flavors.
Noticing the Small “Lucky” Moments
Finding a Lucky Yebisu might seem like a small thing.
But I think it’s important to notice these little moments of luck in our daily lives.
One in several hundred bottles. About a 0.3% chance.
But if you don’t look at the label, you’ll never notice. If you’re not paying attention, it passes you by.
“Something special” is often hiding in plain sight. The question is whether we notice it.
Looking back on my own journey — from farmer to sushi chef — it’s been a series of small “lucky” moments that brought me here.
“Special” Doesn’t Require a Special Place
You don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to have a special experience.
Just like finding a Lucky Yebisu at an ordinary izakaya.
This is the same philosophy behind my mobile sushi catering service.
You don’t need to go to a sushi restaurant. A sushi chef comes to your home or office and makes sushi right in front of you. In that moment, an ordinary space becomes something a little bit special.
You don’t need to change the location to create something extraordinary.
If you ever think, “I want an experience that’s different from the usual,” I hope you’ll remember this as one of your options.
About Sushi Hatake
I work as a sushi chef at “Sushikawa” in Sasazuka (Tuesday and Wednesday dinner service), while also running my own mobile sushi catering service.
- Home parties
- Corporate gatherings and client entertainment
- Birthday parties and anniversary celebrations
- Hosting international guests (English available)
I travel anywhere within Tokyo’s 23 wards to prepare authentic Edomae sushi right before your eyes.
Like finding a Lucky Yebisu — a small, unexpected moment of something special appearing in your everyday life. That’s the kind of experience I hope to create.
Learn more about our sushi catering service
Contact us / Make a reservation
Next time you order a Yebisu Beer, take a look at the label.
You might just find a Lucky Yebisu — one in a few hundred.