This company profile of Kirin reveals the unethical practices of one of the world’s largest alcohol producers. It provides examples of harmful methods across the categories of political interference, promotion, sabotage, manipulation, and deception – the Dubious Five strategies.

Introduction

Kirin is a Japanese alcohol industry company group consisting of 178 companies, out of which Kirin Brewery is the largest one. Kirin also owns Lion (Australia) part of San Miguel Brewery (Philippines), the Yo-Ho Brewing company (Japan) and Four Roses Burbon (USA). Based on revenue, Kirin is the 7th largest alcohol producer in the world.

The president and CEO, Yoshinori Isozaki, joined Kirin in 1977. He has also served as director at the San Miguel Corporation.

Fast Facts about Kirin

Total revenue: YEN 1,989.5 billion (USD 13.3 billion)
Total volume of beer sold (Kirin Brewery only): 20 million hl
Operating profit: YEN 191.2 billion(USD 1.3 billion)
Japan Beer Market share: 30.3%

brands

  • Kirin Ichiban
  • XXXX
  • Hahn
  • Tooheys
  • Stone Wood
  • James Squire
  • Chateau Mercian
  • Kirin Chu-hi Hyoketsu
  • Japanese Whisky Fuji
  • Four Roses Bourbon
  • Yatsu Boshi
  • Kuro Goho
  • Maroyaka Imo
  • Usuki Usagi
  • Kome Hou Jun

Kirin involvement in front groups

Unethical practices by Kirin

Misconduct Report Aug 20 '25
New Zealand Government Documents Reveal Shocking Alcohol Industry Interference

Newly released government papers expose how Big Alcohol lobbyists in New Zealand worked to block effective alcohol policies. The Ministry ...
Misconduct Report Apr 1 '25 Deception, Manipulation
IARD Exploits Decline In Youth Alcohol Use to Whitewash Industry Image

The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) – the alcohol industry’s global mouthpiece – has released a new report ...
Misconduct Report Apr 19 '23
Time to Question Relations With Big Alcohol

Pernod Ricard is once again exporting their products to Russia. This has caused anger and boycotts in Sweden. But wait until you hear about ...
Misconduct Report Aug 25 '22
Australia Raises Alcohol Excise Taxes

Australia has raised its alcohol excise taxes by 4% bringing the price of a pint of beer to $15. Currently, Australia increases excise ...
Misconduct Report Aug 24 '22
Japanese Alcohol Industry Plans to Change Alcohol Content Labeling

Japanese alcohol companies have agreed with the government to implement new voluntary alcohol labeling measures, including net alcohol ...
Misconduct Report Apr 26 '22
People in Myanmar Boycott Alcohol Giant Kirin Over Ties to Military Junta

The people of Myanmar have been boycotting Myanmar Beer over its support for the military regime. Myanmar Beer is made by Myanmar Brewery ...