Wish List for 2012

This year is on its way out, and I'd like to offer a few mild wishes concerning the Kansai (and nationwide, really) craft beer scene in the next. Not that they will be granted, or perhaps even heard, but all the same.

• The continuing success of the wonderful craft beer bars we have and perhaps the opening of a few more

• Better craft beer festivals

• The opening of a Baird Tap Room in Osaka or Kyoto

• A few more good bottle shops, similar to and more conveniently located than Asahiya (Moriguchi), Otsuki (Osaka), and Yamaoka (Kyoto)
  

• Lowering of the tax rate on beer, which would greatly help craft brewers throughout the nation

• The publication of Lefty's nearly completed guide to Japanese beer

• The further publication of Japan Beer Times, now eight issues strong (slogan: Bad Beer is the Enemy / 美味しくないビールは世の中の敵です)

• And finally, better business for the better breweries