Japan investigates major breweries for suspected price cartel

The Japan Fair Trade Commission has launched a criminal investigation into four major breweries—Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory—on suspicion of forming a price-fixing cartel. These four companies control approximately 90% of the Japanese beer market.

Investigators conducted raids on the companies' headquarters in Tokyo following suspicions that executives held secret meetings, often following official industry association gatherings, to coordinate wholesale price increases. The investigation suggests that price hikes for beer and chu-hi (low-alcohol canned cocktails) were synchronized, notably during price increases in October 2022 and April 2025.

While some sales representatives have reportedly denied the allegations to wholesalers, multiple sources indicate that some company officials have admitted to price coordination during questioning by authorities. The commission is considering criminal charges as part of its effort to uncover the full extent of the alleged antitrust violations.