Kirin Plaza Osaka, Osaka

This architecturally innovative building houses the offices of the Kirin Brewery Company Ltd, the makers of many unique Japanese beer products. Visitors come here to view the exhibitions of modern art in the art gallery and to taste beer in the restaurant.

The Kirin Brewery Company Ltd, was founded in Yokohama in 1907 through the efforts of the Scottish merchant, Thomas Glover. The distinctive black granite Kirin Plaza in Osaka has six floors and was designed by Kyoto based architect, Shin Takamatsu. Construction was completed in 1987. It is located north of the Ebisu Bashi Bridge in the heart of the Namba and Shinsai Bashi area of Osaka.

The Kirin Plaza has a microbrewery on the ground floor. The first floor has a casual café cum bar that overlooks a canal. The building has a restaurant that serves the four brews manufactured by the company, as well as Japanese and international delicacies. The upper floors house the art gallery and exhibition space where many renowned contemporary Japanese and international artists have their works displayed. Two popular exhibitions consisted of the London based Japanese contemporary artist called Tabaimo and local artist Yoyoi Dekei. There is also a beer lecture hall where beer-related seminars and beer tasting events are often held.