
By Hisae Sasaki.

By Iwamoto Zerogo.

Ryo Okomoto's wraparound artwork for the Riot Ale can.
The menu includes standards such as a Hazy IPA and a Pilsner, as well as more adventurous offerings like Mix Juiced IPA, Mari0net IDoL, and the award-winning fruit ale 396 #002. Or try Shinksekai New Romancer, another flagship of the company. "With its cyberpunk, Nishi-Nari slum vibe and Tsutenkaku Tower imagery, Shinksekai New Romancer embodies our terroir," says Derailleur founder Akinori Yamazaki. "It's a fruit beer inspired by Osaka's iconic mixed fruit juice. Another pride is DB-69, a hazy, sake-inspired beer brewed annually in collaboration with sake producers using sake yeast. Its artwork and unique flavour, inspired by unfiltered, rustic Doburoku sake – 69 reads as 'Roku' in Japanese – are standout."

By Okamoto.

By Hotel New Teikoku.

By Mitarashi Ayaka.
In addition to creating label illustrations, Okomoto-san is a longtime friend of Yamazaki-san and takes on an art direction role with Derailleur. His futuristic, cyberpunk and anime stylings fit well with an organisation committed to its against-the-odd setting. "Drawing from Osaka's role in the film Black Rain, I incorporate elements of Ridley Scott's early chaotic Asian aesthetic, retro cyberpunk, or anime-inspired touches. The name Derailleur guides me toward non-conventional graphics in a positive sense," he explains. Growing from around 70 employees to 500 today, Derailleur Brew Works is helping change the fortunes of the Nishinari ward and its residents. From the start, it has employed the so-called unemployable – addicts as well as those with physical and mental disabilities. Hours and tasks are flexible, allowing employees to do what they're able to do. This social impact makes the collaboration all the more rewarding for the artists involved.

By Sasaki.

By Okusan Banana.

By Tanaka Kae.
As well as its five outlets in Osaka, Derailleur operates three in Kyoto, one in Fukuoka, and one in Tokyo, with another location scheduled to open soon. Watch out for special imported editions of Derailleur Brew Works beers at Japanese Film Club screenings in London cinemas, which include bespoke artwork.
Big thanks to Will Stewart of MadeGood Films, who helped us source and translate the material for this story.

By Ryo Okamoto.