A Japanese zero-waste town opens a microbrewery in the mountains

Have been toJapanknow how hard it is to find even a piece of trash on the streets, but inJapanTokushimaPrefecture’s Kamikatsu, the town’s residents have taken environmental protection to the extreme, practicing a “zero-waste” lifestyle, with everyone adhering to a strict recycling program. One of the latest examples of this approach is transforming waste into a microbrewery, allowing the town’s 1,500 residents to share in this eco-friendly achievement.

Against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, the unique exterior makes this microbrewery particularly eye-catching. This 8-meter-high bar space embodies the “zero-waste” spirit both inside and out. The exterior walls are entirely made from windows salvaged from abandoned houses. Meanwhile, the double-layered structure ensures stability and helps regulate ventilation. The floor is also made from second-hand materials, the chandeliers are crafted from discarded bottles, and even the wallpaper is designed using newspapers. Every piece of second-hand furniture has been carefully restored.

The interior of the bar offers an expansive feel, not only selling brewed beer but also serving as a storage warehouse and brewery. The cozy environment allows locals to enjoy the fruits of years of zero-waste efforts in the most relaxed atmosphere.

Image source: koji fujii / nacasa & partners inc.