Imagine one of Japan’s most beloved beer brands suddenly vanishing from store shelves—not because of a shortage in barley or hops, but because hackers brought the entire production system to a screeching halt. That’s exactly what happened last week to Asahi, the nation’s brewing powerhouse, and it’s sent shockwaves through Japan’s corporate world. But here's where it gets controversial: how could a company of Asahi’s size and reputation be so vulnerable in the first place?
Asahi, the maker of iconic drinks like Asahi Super Dry, Nikka Whisky, and global favorites such as Peroni and Pilsner Urquell, was forced to shut down nearly all of its 30 factories across Japan after a crippling cyberattack. The breach disrupted order processing, halted shipments, and stopped brewing operations dead in their tracks. While production has now restarted at all six of its alcohol manufacturing sites, full recovery—including distribution—remains uncertain. Trucks are slowly leaving warehouses again, but demand still far exceeds supply, leaving convenience stores struggling to keep shelves stocked.
And this is the part most people miss: the attack wasn’t some isolated digital fluke. It was claimed by Qilin, a notorious ransomware group that’s been on a spree targeting Japanese businesses since June. According to Comparitech, this marks the fourth such attack by Qilin on Japanese companies in just a few months. Since emerging in 2022, the group has reportedly carried out over 100 confirmed ransomware attacks in 2025 alone. In Asahi’s case, they allegedly stole about 27 gigabytes of sensitive data, including internal budgets, legal contracts, and personal employee information. A cybersecurity firm shared screenshots of Qilin’s dark web leak site, showing 29 images of what appears to be stolen documents—some of which the group says are now public. CNN has not independently verified the data’s authenticity, and Asahi has stated the investigation is ongoing, with no confirmation yet on whether a ransom was demanded.
This incident has exposed a troubling truth: despite being a technological leader in robotics and advanced manufacturing, Japan is dangerously behind in cybersecurity preparedness. Experts point to a deep-rooted problem—an acute shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. A 2023 report by (ISC)², a leading U.S.-based internet security organization, revealed that the gap between demand and available talent in Japan is widening at an alarming rate. Combine that with a rapidly aging population and lower digital literacy among older workers, and you’ve got a perfect storm for cybercriminals.
Even more alarming? The official number of ransomware attacks—116 reported in the first half of 2025 by Japan’s National Police Agency—likely represents just the tip of the iceberg. Cartan McLaughlin, CEO of Tokyo-based Nihon Cyber Defense, believes the real figure could be ten times higher, as many companies avoid reporting breaches to protect their reputations. "Japan was slower to the game than the rest of the world," McLaughlin told CNN. "You can buy all the cyber technology in the world, but if it’s not properly implemented and managed, it’s just expensive window dressing."
And let’s be honest—this isn’t just about beer. It’s about national resilience. Just weeks before Asahi’s ordeal, luxury automaker Jaguar Land Rover suffered a similar cyberattack that shut down UK factories for weeks, costing an estimated £2 billion ($2.7 billion). These events prove that no industry is immune. As Masaki Hiraoka, managing director for North East Asia at cyber emergency response firm Blackpanda, put it: "Cyberattacks have become inevitable in today’s connected world."
The good news? Japan is finally taking action. In May, the country passed a sweeping new cybersecurity law, giving the government stronger authority to intervene and protect critical infrastructure. July saw the launch of the National Cybersecurity Office, tasked with coordinating national defense strategies. Still, Hiraoka warns that prevention alone isn’t enough. Companies must also focus on rapid response and recovery. "The key isn’t just stopping breaches—it’s how quickly you bounce back," he said. That means having clear crisis plans, regular drills, and partnerships with cybersecurity response teams ready to jump in when disaster strikes.
Artificial intelligence is making the threat landscape even more dangerous. "AI enables attackers to automate and localize their attacks with frightening precision," Hiraoka explained. This means phishing emails can now be flawlessly written in Japanese, and malware can adapt in real time to bypass outdated security systems.
Back in Tokyo, everyday consumers are feeling the impact. Shoko Watanabe, a 58-year-old housewife, expressed concern: "Asahi Super Dry is a top-selling beer in Japan. I’d hate to see it disappear from stores. I just hope people don’t start hoarding it." Her sentiment echoes a broader unease—how could a major corporation be so easily crippled by a cyberattack?
Which brings us to a bold question: Is Japan’s digital transformation happening too late? With cybercriminals growing more sophisticated and bolder by the day, is it time to rethink what corporate resilience really means? And should companies be required to publicly disclose cyber incidents, even if it damages their image?
We want to hear from you: Do you think Japan’s new cybersecurity laws go far enough? Or is the country still playing catch-up in a battle it can’t afford to lose? Share your thoughts in the comments.
