Japanese brewer designs “wobbly” beer glass to encourage responsible drinking

A craft beer producer in central Japan is hoping that its U-shaped “wobbly” glass will encourage people to drink water along with their beer, in a bid to prevent excessive alcohol consumption and dehydration.

The “Wobbly Beer Glass by Yona Yona Ale”, produced by Yoho Brewing based in Nagano prefecture, has been on sale since August amid growing awareness of the need for responsible drinking. The idea is that the glass, divided into two sections, will tilt if a balance between beer and water is not maintained.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in guidelines released in 2024, encourages people to alternate between drinking alcoholic beverages and water to slow intoxication.

Kyoko Kitano, the employee in charge of developing the glass, was inspired by conversations with a colleague about forgetting to sip water while drinking with friends.

The company created seven prototypes over about eight months to develop a design that would not lead to spills.

A survey of 636 regular drinkers conducted for the company found that while 75 per cent were aware of alcohol-induced dehydration, 75 per cent admitted they failed to consume enough water while drinking alcohol, with most saying they simply lost track once tipsy.

Liver specialist Dr Satoshi Ogata said that while drinking water does not eliminate alcohol’s toxicity, alternating beer with water slows the drinking pace and prevents rapid spikes in blood alcohol concentration, while replacing fluids lost through increased urination.

The glass holds about 270ml (9.13 fluid ounces) each of beer and water, filled up to its pinched waist, and sells on pre-order for 13,750 yen (US$87).

“I will be happy if the glass we developed helps spread healthier drinking habits,” Kitano said.

Since 2015, Yoho Brewing has been producing lower-alcohol beer and limiting alcohol-serving hours at outdoor events.

“As a beer producer, we believe it is important to continue thinking about responsible drinking,” said Moe Sakai, in charge of public relations of the company.