In Sengawacho, a quiet suburb of Tokyo, the Ben Thai restaurant has only four bottles of Asahi Super Dry left. Owner Sakaolath Sugizaki hopes for a new delivery soon, but her supplier is saving stock for larger clients. Japan’s biggest brewer, Asahi, shut down almost all 30 of its factories after a devastating cyber-attack froze production and crippled its computer systems.
Breweries Slowly Restart but Systems Stay Down
Asahi has reopened several factories, including six major breweries, but its digital systems remain offline. Workers now process every order and shipment manually, using pens, paper, and fax machines. The change has slowed production and deliveries dramatically. With Asahi controlling around 40% of Japan’s beer market, the disruption has hit restaurants, bars, and retailers across the nation.
The company apologised for the disruption but has not said when operations will fully recover. Reporters visiting stores in Tokyo and Hokkaido found dwindling stocks and staff unable to order new supplies of Asahi’s beer, bottled water, or food products.
Shortages Spread from Beer to Soft Drinks
Tokyo liquor store owner Hisako Arisawa worries about her regular customers. She receives only a few bottles of Super Dry at a time and expects the shortage to last for weeks. The problem now goes beyond beer. Asahi’s soft drinks, such as ginger beer and soda water, are also running out.
Japan’s biggest convenience store chains have issued warnings. FamilyMart said its Famimaru bottled teas, made by Asahi, could soon be unavailable. 7-Eleven has suspended shipments of Asahi products, while Lawson also expects shortages in the coming weeks.
Old Tools Return as Technology Fails
Mr Nakano, an alcohol wholesaler who declined to share his first name, said shipments from Asahi have resumed but only at 10–20% of normal levels. Orders are now handwritten and sent by fax. Asahi also uses fax to confirm truck departures from its factories.
The company, which owns major global brands like Peroni, Grolsch, and Fuller’s, confirmed that its European operations have not been affected by the attack.
Ransomware Group Behind the Attack
The ransomware group Qilin has claimed responsibility for the breach. The group runs a platform that lets users launch cyber-attacks in return for a share of the ransom. Asahi has not provided full details but confirmed that some stolen company data has appeared online.
The attack joins a global surge of ransomware incidents. Major companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Marks and Spencer have also been targeted. In September, several European airports faced massive delays after hackers disrupted check-in systems.
Japan has seen its share of digital chaos too. In 2024, hackers shut down operations at Nagoya’s container terminal for three days. A year earlier, Japan Airlines suffered a cyber-attack that caused widespread cancellations and delays.
Japan’s Cybersecurity Weaknesses Exposed
Japan’s image as a high-tech powerhouse hides deep cybersecurity flaws. Experts warn that the country lacks enough skilled professionals and digital literacy in its business sector. The government’s reliance on outdated technology became obvious last year when it finally stopped accepting floppy disk submissions.
Cartan McLaughlin from Nihon Cyber Defence Group said Japan’s dependence on old systems and its culture of trust make it easy prey for hackers. Many organisations remain poorly protected and often pay ransoms, inviting more attacks.
Government Vows to Strengthen Digital Defences
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said officials are investigating the Asahi breach. He promised stronger national cyber capabilities. Earlier this year, Japan passed the Active Cyber Defense Law, giving authorities new powers to share intelligence with companies and strike back at hackers’ servers. Experts have hailed the law as a vital step toward better protection.
Small Businesses Still Waiting for Deliveries
For small restaurants like Ben Thai, government promises bring little comfort. Owner Sakaolath still doesn’t know when her next order of Super Dry will arrive. Across Japan, countless small business owners share her uncertainty — wondering when Asahi’s beer will finally start pouring again.
