photos by Nao Takahashi courtesy DOG Architects
Last year around this time, a bright and airy craft beer brewery opened along the Honancho Ginza Shopping Street in Tokyo’s Suginami district. Surrounded by mom-and-pop eateries and retailers, the white art gallery-looking space didn’t exactly blend in. But they were on a mission to connect with the local community in ways that extended beyond just serving great beer.
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Honan Local Good Brewers works with the town of Honancho to employ workers with special needs, fully integrating them into all aspects of the business. Partnering with their sister location Social Good Roasters, the brewery is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the local community by teaching individuals with conditions like Down Syndrome or Autism everything there is to learn about brewing beer.
A 2-min walk from Honancho Station, the brewery also makes used of an existing storefront, previously a soba shop, that was in much need of a facelift. Architect Ryutaro Saito, of DOG Architects, renovated a 3-story row house to create a bright and open 2-story atrium. The facade incorporates a logo that conveys the geographical characteristics of the town.
Honan Local Good Brewers (map) is open to the public Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 – 7:00 PM. You can learn more on their website or keep up with them on Instagram.
