1: Telling the Story of Okinawa’s Nature from the Back — The “Shima Beer Yanbaru Kuina T-Shirt”

First, we would like to introduce our highly anticipated new original apparel.

Helios Distillery is located in Kyoda, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. Head north from there, and you will soon find the lush forests of Yanbaru (Yambaru), which are part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

The forest’s beloved icon and one of its most recognizable symbols is the Yanbaru Kuina, a flightless rail designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan.

Fans of Helios Distillery’s craft beers may already recognize the “Shima Beer” label and its lovable Yanbaru Kuina character. Now, that charming design has finally made its way onto a T-shirt.

1-1. Simple Is Best: A Clean Front Design

This T-shirt was designed with a theme of “sophisticated playfulness”—a subtle touch of fun that adults can enjoy as part of their everyday wardrobe.

The front design is intentionally kept simple. A small logo is placed discreetly on the chest, creating a stylish look with just the right amount of character without being too bold.

Wear it under a jacket for a polished casual look, or pair it with jeans for an effortlessly relaxed style. We designed it to fit naturally not only during a trip to Okinawa, but also in the streets of the city.

1-2. A Little Surprise When You Turn Around: The Special Back Print

The biggest highlight of this T-shirt is, without a doubt, the back.

Take a look at the photo of our staff member holding the T-shirt open. Along the right side of the back, from around the waist up toward the shoulder, a series of small, adorable marks can be seen.

They are the footprints of the Yanbaru Kuina.

The Yanbaru Kuina is known as a flightless bird, but with its strong legs, it races through the forests of Yanbaru. We captured its powerful yet endearing character in the form of footprints.

The design tells a little story, as if a Yanbaru Kuina were happily trotting up your back, one step at a time.

“Wait, is there something on your back?”

“This? They’re Yanbaru Kuina footprints.”

It is sure to spark conversations and serves as a fun conversation piece wherever you go.

1-3. Choose Your Color: White or Black

The T-shirt comes in two colors: refreshing White and sophisticated Black.

• White: A classic color that stands out beautifully under Okinawa’s strong sunlight. The footprints are clearly visible, giving the shirt a clean, fresh look. If you’re spending the day at the beach with a Shima Beer in hand, white is the natural choice.
• Black: Cool and sleek, with a more refined look. It is perfect for an evening at a bar or a live event. The footprint design subtly emerges against the dark fabric, creating a more modern, fashion-forward feel.

The T-shirt is made from substantial, high-quality fabric that feels comfortable to wear. It is a stylish choice for yourself and also makes a great Okinawa souvenir for someone special.

2. Where the Cyber World Meets Brewing: The Ghost in the Shell Collaboration

Next up is a major collaboration that brings together two worlds of culture and creativity.

Helios Distillery has teamed up with Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, one of Japan’s most celebrated science-fiction series with a global following.

You may wonder, “What does a distillery have to do with a sci-fi anime?”

At first glance, the two may seem worlds apart. Yet they share a common spirit: both look toward the future while preserving the traditions and ideas of the past—the “Ghost”—and continuing to embrace innovation through technology, much like cyberization in the world of Ghost in the Shell.

2-1. A Must-Have for Fans: “Kusanagi Motoko’s White Beer”

The first item we want to highlight is the specially designed can of beer, “Kusanagi Motoko’s White Beer.”

The metallic can features a striking image of the series’ protagonist, Motoko Kusanagi (Major), in her iconic, confident pose.

Inside is a Weizen (wheat beer), proudly crafted by Helios Distillery. Its fruity aroma from the wheat malt and its smooth, mellow character with low bitterness seem almost like a reflection of Motoko herself—cool and composed on the outside, yet with passion and warmth within.

As the playful sign says, “This one is only available in black!” While the T-shirt comes exclusively in black, the beer itself is a white beer. This clever contrast makes the collaboration even more fun.

2-2. Resupplying? The Original T-Shirt as a “Combat Uniform”

Created alongside the release of the collaboration beer is the “Ghost in the Shell: Motoko Kusanagi T-Shirt.”

Take a look at the sample displayed on the shop shelf. At the center of the black T-shirt is the familiar multi-legged tank, Tachikoma. And sitting casually on top is Motoko Kusanagi, relaxing with a beer mug in hand!

One detail that deserves special attention is the text incorporated into the design:

“Beer Resupply in Progress.”

After the intense concentration required for cyber warfare and intelligence operations, even Major Kusanagi needs a moment to recharge with a cold beer. This playful graphic feels like a glimpse into her downtime away from the action.

The composition, with Tachikoma appearing to deliver the beer, is sure to bring a smile to the faces of Ghost in the Shell fans.

As the “New” sign indicates, this is one of the shop’s latest items and is already attracting attention.

Price: ¥3,300

Considering the quality and the fact that it is an officially licensed collaboration item, it offers excellent value for fans.

Put on the T-shirt, crack open a “Kusanagi Motoko’s White Beer,” and you might just feel like a member of Section 9, carrying out your very own “alcohol resupply mission.”

3. Almost Gone! The Rare Taste of “Mango & Pine Cream Ale”

While we are excited to welcome new products, there are also some that we must soon say goodbye to.

Our seasonal “Mango & Pine Cream Ale” is one of them.

Brewed as a limited seasonal release, it is now almost sold out.

3-1. A Cream Ale Filled with the Flavors of the Tropics

Mango and pineapple are two of Okinawa’s most iconic fruits. This Cream Ale was created to bring out the best of both.

Have you heard of the Cream Ale style?

Cream Ale is a style that uses ale yeast while employing techniques such as cool maturation similar to lager brewing, or the addition of specialty ingredients, to create a beer that is crisp and refreshing while offering a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

From the moment Helios’s Mango & Pine Cream Ale is poured into a glass, its tropical aromas burst forth.

But this is far more than a sweet, juice-like drink. The rich malt character and gentle hop bitterness of the beer elegantly balance the sweetness of the fruit, creating a sophisticated, full-bodied flavor that pairs beautifully with food.

3-2. What “Almost Sold Out” Really Means

Seasonal beers offer a unique once-in-a-season experience—a taste that can only be enjoyed at a particular time of year.

Once the remaining stock at the shop and online store is gone, sales will end.

We have seen it happen many times: someone thinks, “I’ll buy it later,” only to find that it has sold out—and they have to wait until the following year, or may never get the chance to enjoy it again.

Just having a bottle of this beer waiting in your refrigerator can transform an ordinary evening drink into a sunset at a tropical resort.

Don’t miss your last chance. We highly recommend stocking up while it’s still available.

4. What’s Inside? A “Lucky Bag” Packed with Exciting Surprises

Finally, we come to one of the pleasures of visiting the shop: the Lucky Bag.

At Helios Distillery, lucky bags and other surprise promotions are not limited to the New Year season. From time to time, we prepare special offers like these as a way of giving something back to our customers.

3. Almost Gone! The Rare Taste of “Mango & Pine Cream Ale”

While we are excited to welcome new products, there are also some that we must soon say goodbye to.

Our seasonal “Mango & Pine Cream Ale” is one of them.

Brewed as a limited seasonal release, it is now almost sold out.

3-1. A Cream Ale Filled with the Flavors of the Tropics

Mango and pineapple are two of Okinawa’s most iconic fruits. This Cream Ale was created to bring out the best of both.

Have you heard of the Cream Ale style?

Cream Ale is a style that uses ale yeast while employing techniques such as cool maturation similar to lager brewing, or the addition of specialty ingredients, to create a beer that is crisp and refreshing while offering a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

From the moment Helios’s Mango & Pine Cream Ale is poured into a glass, its tropical aromas burst forth.

But this is far more than a sweet, juice-like drink. The rich malt character and gentle hop bitterness of the beer elegantly balance the sweetness of the fruit, creating a sophisticated, full-bodied flavor that pairs beautifully with food.

3-2. What “Almost Sold Out” Really Means

Seasonal beers offer a unique once-in-a-season experience—a taste that can only be enjoyed at a particular time of year.

Once the remaining stock at the shop and online store is gone, sales will end.

We have seen it happen many times: someone thinks, “I’ll buy it later,” only to find that it has sold out—and they have to wait until the following year, or may never get the chance to enjoy it again.

Just having a bottle of this beer waiting in your refrigerator can transform an ordinary evening drink into a sunset at a tropical resort.

Don’t miss your last chance. We highly recommend stocking up while it’s still available.

4. What’s Inside? A “Lucky Bag” Packed with Exciting Surprises

Finally, we come to one of the pleasures of visiting the shop: the Lucky Bag.

At Helios Distillery, lucky bags and other surprise promotions are not limited to the New Year season. From time to time, we prepare special offers like these as a way of giving something back to our customers.