Beer-tasting growing into latest licensing fad

Looks like Japan is ready for a BJCP branch.

Their numbers may still be small but there is growing interest among Japanese men and women in becoming licensed beer tasters.



Participants in a seminar for prospective beer tasters sample different brews in Tokyo's Sumida Ward in March.



Since a certification exam was instituted 12 years ago, more than 5,000 people have passed the test given by the Japan Craft Beer Association and become certified beer tasters.



The association, based in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, was founded by Ryoji Oda in July 1994 to popularize and promote beer tasters and craft beers in Japan. It also holds seminars to teach students how to evaluate beer.



A sister group called the Beer Taster Nonprofit Organization also aims to promote the culture, history and technology of beer.

Read the entire article at The Japan Times.