NANA Creator Ai Yazawa Designs Exclusive Artwork for Limited Edition Yebisu Beer Cans

Sapporo Breweries has announced a special collaboration with manga creator Ai Yazawa, known globally for her iconic series NANA. This partnership centers on limited-edition Yebisu Beer cans featuring exclusive, new artwork drawn by Yazawa herself.

The collaboration taps into Yebisu Beer's long-standing tradition of using elegant Bijin-ga (beautiful person paintings) in its advertising, a practice that previously included a special design from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure creator Hirohiko Araki.

Yazawa’s new illustration depicts a woman in a kimono walking through falling cherry blossoms. The design embodies the concept of 'taking a lighthearted new step forward after shedding one’s armor,' suggesting a theme of newfound freedom and transition.

The special cans are set to hit shelves across Japan on March 3, 2026. They will be available in both 350ml and 500ml formats.

A promotional campaign is tied to the release. Customers who purchase 6-can packs or 12-can cartons can check inside for lottery entries to win exclusive merchandise. This contest is strictly limited to residents of Japan aged 20 and older, with the entry period closing on May 31, 2026.

To support the launch, Sapporo Breweries confirmed promotional events are planned for Tokyo and Fukuoka. These events will feature exhibitions of the original artwork and sales of limited-edition goods.