2024 is the Year of the Dragon and Sapporo U.S.A. is celebrating with an artist collaboration six-pack now available nationwide for a limited time. The dragon-themed package is Sapporo U.S.A.’s first nationally available six-pack, featuring an eye-catching display of Tokyo Hiro’s distinct east-meets-west style.
Tokyo Hiro is best known for his tattoo artistry and has designed album covers, merchandise and more for professional athletes, bands and brands like Bad Religion, The Offspring, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, Fender, Adidas, Hurley and others. Sapporo and Tokyo Hiro are joined by their Japanese heritage, passion for artistry and pioneering spirits.
Hiro’s story mirrors that of Sapporo’s first Brewmaster, Seibei Nakagawa, who left Japan at the age of 17 at a time when leaving was strictly forbidden. He learned the craft of brewing in Germany and went on to become Japan’s first German-trained brewmaster. His adventurous spirit still guides the company’s principles today, the company notes.
With a pioneering spirit of his own, Hiro was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and began spending time in the U.S. in high school. He walked away from his prospects as a professional baseball player for his infatuation with American culture, punk rock, metal and tattoo artistry. Seeking to bring deeper impact to his life and work, Hiro supports the Rock & Roll Rescue. Founded by his wife, the organization close to Hiro’s heart works with high profile musicians to raise awareness, support, long-term care and financing for rescue animals. Hiro is an artist, musician, activist and a true embodiment of the Sapporo brand.
Hiro’s artwork features two dragons flowing around the package and the Sapporo can. The open mouth on one dragon wards off evil spirits while the closed mouth of the other keeps good spirits in. The two together are representative of the end and beginning of the New Year. Red accents harken good luck, as is traditional in Japan this time of year.
“When I was learning to tattoo under Bob Roberts of Spotlight Tattoo, he would always tell me, ‘east meets west, that’s your style,’” Hiro explained. “I feel so lucky to work with Sapporo on this project because we both understand what this means. Sapporo adopted German brewing in Japan in the same way I’ve combined my Japanese and U.S. experiences.”
A limited quantity of signed and numbered Tokyo Hiro artist screen prints will be available via a text-to-win sweepstakes in early 2024. The 18-inch by 24-inch prints feature Hiro’s Sapporo Premium dragon wrapping around the iconic Sapporo bottle in celebration of the collaboration.
