The Origin of Mushima Barley: The Craft of a Tiny Island Brewery

Mushima Hama Brewery (Mushima, Okayama Prefecture)

A Brewery on the Water’s Edge

Floating in the heart of the Seto Inland Sea, at the southernmost tip of Okayama Prefecture, lies the tiny island of Mushima, home to a population of fewer than 50 people. Here, you will find Mushima Hama Brewery, a craft brewery with a seaside café located just steps from the water.

Right in front of the brewery, the calm Seto Inland Sea stretches out before you. It is an idyllic spot where you can enjoy a freshly brewed pint while gazing at the island-dotted horizon—a perfect escape for any traveler.

The brewery’s signature beer is “The Origin of Mushima Barley”, a Saison-style ale. This traditional Belgian farmhouse beer was historically brewed in winter and enjoyed by farmers during the hot summer months. It boasts a fruity, aromatic depth from its malt and yeast, balanced by a crisp, dry finish—perfect for sipping by the sea on a clear, sunny day.

Reviving Mushima’s Golden Barley Fields

The man behind Mushima Hama Brewery is Ryuhei Iseki, a native of Osaka who moved to the island as part of a regional revitalization project. Despite Mushima’s declining population, Ryuhei saw opportunities rather than challenges. When he learned that the island was once covered in golden barley fields, he felt inspired to bring that landscape back to life by growing his own barley and brewing beer.

However, cultivating barley on Mushima proved far more challenging than expected. Due to the island’s rugged terrain, using heavy machinery was impossible, and traditional hand-threshing was the only option.

“The barley husks would pierce my skin, making my whole body itch and sting. But experiencing the hardships of island life firsthand helped me connect with the locals on a deeper level,” Ryuhei recalls.

After overcoming numerous obstacles, Ryuhei refined his brewing skills under the mentorship of Kibidote Shita Brewery in Okayama City. Together, they perfected the recipe for “The Origin of Mushima Barley,” a beer that embodies the island’s spirit.

A Community-Backed Brewery

Inspired by Ryuhei’s dedication, local residents came together to help construct the brewery. In 2019, Mushima Hama Brewery officially opened its doors. The compact, hands-on brewing facility features a stainless steel fermenter and a large stockpot for wort preparation. While the equipment may be small compared to larger breweries, its pristine condition—maintained through meticulous cleaning—reflects Ryuhei’s unwavering commitment to quality.

“Anyone who makes the journey to Mushima is already interested in the island. That’s why I want to personally welcome each and every guest,” says Ryuhei. True to his words, the brewery exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, embracing visitors as if they were part of the island’s extended family.

If you ever find yourself in Mushima, don’t miss the chance to experience this ultimate welcome drink—a beer that tells the story of an island’s revival.

---