# Suntory Kinmugi brand transition to beer production

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/suntory-kinmugi-brand-transition-to-beer-production
> Updated: 2026-09-30T02:13:58.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

Suntory is transitioning its Kinmugi brand from a ‘new genre’ beverage to a standard beer production method. This strategic shift is prompted by Japanese liquor tax reforms effective October 1, 2026, which unify tax rates for beer and low-malt beer (happoshu) and increase taxes on new genre beverages.

The company has scheduled the release of three new products in October 2026. The standard Kinmugi and a version with 75% less carbs are set to launch nationwide on October 6, followed by the Kinmugi ‘Hojun’ lager on October 13. These iterations utilize a higher malt ratio to enhance flavor and body while maintaining a clean aftertaste.

To promote the brand’s evolution, Suntory will host 90-minute tasting tours at its Musashino brewery in Tokyo throughout October 2026. Additionally, actress Rei Dan has been appointed as a brand ambassador, with a new series of television commercials featuring her scheduled to begin airing on September 30. Other brand messengers include Ryoma Takeuchi, Yutaka Takenouchi, Haru Kuroki, and Taiga Nakano.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Suntory transitions Kinmugis brand to beer production

Suntory is transitioning its Kinmugis brand to beer production following Japan's liquor tax reform, launching new products in October with Rei Dan as the brand ambassador.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suntory-transitions-kinmugis-brand-to-beer-production

### 2026-09-30: Suntory transitions Kinmugī brand to beer following tax reform

Suntory is transitioning its Kinmugī brand to beer production following Japanese liquor tax reforms, launching new products in October with Ryoma Takeuchi joining as a brand messenger.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suntory-transitions-kinmug-brand-to-beer-following-tax-reform

### 2026-09-22: Suntory to transition Kinmugi brand to beer production

Suntory is transitioning its Kinmugi brand to standard beer production following liquor tax reforms, launching three new varieties in October 2026.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suntory-to-transition-kinmugi-brand-to-beer-production-1

### 2026-09-18: Suntory to transition Kinmugi brand to beer production

Suntory is transitioning its Kinmugi brand to standard beer production in October 2026, accompanied by special brewery tasting tours in Tokyo.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/suntory-to-transition-kinmugi-brand-to-beer-production

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Cite as: Suntory Kinmugi brand transition to beer production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/suntory-kinmugi-brand-transition-to-beer-production