In Sengawacho, a quiet Tokyo suburb, Ben Thai restaurant has just four bottles of Asahi Super Dry left. Owner Sakaolath Sugizaki hopes for a new delivery soon, but her supplier is saving stock for larger customers. Japan’s leading brewer, Asahi, was forced to shut nearly all of its 30 factories after a devastating cyber-attack froze its systems and stopped production.
Breweries Reopen, But Digital Paralysis Persists
Asahi has managed to reopen several of its facilities, including six breweries, yet its computers remain offline. Employees now handle orders and deliveries manually with pens, paper, and fax machines. This slowdown has caused significant delays in distribution. With Asahi supplying about 40% of Japan’s beer, the disruption has hit bars, restaurants, and retailers across the country.
The company has apologised to customers but has not said when operations will fully recover. Reporters visiting shops in Tokyo and Hokkaido found dwindling stocks and no new deliveries of Asahi’s beer, bottled water, or food products.
Shortages Ripple Through the Market
Liquor store owner Hisako Arisawa in Tokyo fears losing regular customers. She can only get a few bottles of Super Dry at a time and expects the shortage to continue for weeks. The problem extends beyond beer. Stocks of Asahi’s soft drinks, such as ginger beer and soda water, are also running out.
Japan’s largest convenience chains have issued warnings. FamilyMart said its Famimaru bottled teas, made by Asahi, could soon disappear from shelves. 7-Eleven halted shipments of Asahi goods, and Lawson expects shortages to persist throughout the month.
The Return of Fax Machines and Handwritten Orders
Mr Nakano, an alcohol wholesaler who asked to withhold his first name, said deliveries from Asahi have resumed but only at 10–20% of usual levels. He now writes orders by hand and sends them by fax. Asahi, in turn, sends faxes confirming when trucks leave its factories.
The company, which owns global brands like Peroni, Grolsch, and Fuller’s, said its European operations remain unaffected by the cyber-attack.
Ransomware Group Qilin Claims Responsibility
The ransomware group Qilin has claimed responsibility for the attack. It operates a platform that lets users launch cyber-attacks in return for a share of ransom profits. Asahi has not shared full details but confirmed that some stolen data has appeared online.
This attack is part of a growing global trend. Hackers have recently hit major companies, including Jaguar Land Rover and Marks and Spencer. In September, ransomware disrupted check-in systems at European airports, causing widespread delays.
Japan has faced its own digital turmoil. In 2024, hackers paralysed Nagoya’s container terminal for three days. A year earlier, Japan Airlines suffered a cyber-attack that caused cancellations and flight delays during the Christmas period.
Japan’s Cyber Weaknesses Exposed
Japan’s image as a technology powerhouse hides major vulnerabilities. Experts warn that the country lacks cybersecurity professionals and suffers from low digital literacy in many businesses. The issue became symbolic last year when the government finally stopped accepting floppy disk submissions.
Cartan McLaughlin from Nihon Cyber Defence Group said Japan’s dependence on outdated systems and a high level of trust make it an easy target. Many companies are unprepared for attacks and often pay ransoms, which only encourages more hackers.
Government Pushes for Stronger Cyber Laws
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that authorities are investigating the Asahi attack. He pledged to strengthen Japan’s cyber defences. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed the Active Cyber Defense Law, giving the government power to share intelligence with companies and strike back at hackers’ servers. Experts have hailed the new law as a vital step forward.
Small Businesses Struggle to Cope
For small restaurants like Ben Thai, those promises feel far away. Owner Sakaolath still doesn’t know when her next order of Super Dry will arrive. Across Japan, countless small businesses share her worry — wondering when Asahi’s beer will once again fill their shelves and glasses.
