Japan’s drinkers could soon be left with empty glasses.
Production and distribution of Asahi, the country’s best-selling beer, has been paralysed after a cyber attack on Monday knocked out ordering, delivery and call-centre systems.
Dozens of factories across Japan have suspended operations, leaving supermarkets and izakayas, the nation’s casual pubs, scrambling to secure stock.
One major wholesaler warned it would run out of kegs by Saturday, forcing it to consider switching to rival brands. Akira Kudo, who runs an izakaya in Tokyo, said he had already been told one of the two Asahi products he relies on was unavailable.
“We would like to avoid using other manufacturers if possible, so we will consider our options until the very last minute,” he said.
The disruption has also delayed launches of new Asahi drinks, including soft beverages and coffee. Executives stressed that no personal data had been leaked and that overseas breweries, such as those in the UK, remain unaffected.