This brewery in Nagoya has been around since 1964 but Kirin in Japan was started by an American named William Copeland back in 1870. It was named “Spring Valley Brewery” in Yamate, Yokohama. Kirin name came about in 1888 and for awhile the labels were mostly in English.
Kirin brewery 1964
Kirin brewery 2009 - Best photo I could get on the tour
