The story of Kirin Ichiban began in 1869 in Yokohama, when the Kirin Brewery Company was founded as Japan's first government brewery, making Kirin today the oldest beer brand in the country. Since then, Kirin has developed into a global brand and is now part of the Mitsubishi Group. The name "Kirin," introduced in 1888, is derived from a mythical creature that is half horse and half dragon and is considered a symbol of good luck in Japanese culture. "Ichiban" means "number one" and emphasizes the brewery's commitment to offering the highest quality and unique taste.
