Riot Ale: The Story of Derailleur Brew Works

In the heart of Osaka’s Nishinari Ward, a district long synonymous with economic hardship, day labourers, and echoes of past unrest, an unlikely revolution has bubbled up — one pint at a time. Derailleur Brew Works, a craft brewery that doubles as a beacon of social inclusion, has been transforming lives since its launch in 2018. By employing people with disabilities and those facing employment barriers in a neighbourhood often overlooked by opportunity, this small operation is not just crafting award-winning beers; it’s fermenting a brighter future for its community.

From Day Labourers to Riots

Nishinari Ward, also known as Kamagasaki or Airin-chiku, has a complex history rooted in post-war Japan. Established as a place name in 1922, it became a hub for day labourers seeking work in construction and manual jobs, particularly during Japan’s economic boom in the mid-20th century. However, as economic shifts occurred, the area grappled with poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion. Property values plummeted, and the district earned a reputation as a slum, with high rates of crime and transient populations.

This hardship often boiled over into conflict. Between 1961 and 2008, the area saw 24 riots, frequently sparked by allegations of police mistreatment and human rights violations against day labourers. The first major riot erupted on August 1, 1961, after an elderly day laborer was killed in a traffic accident. Protests at the Nishinari police station escalated into violence, involving 2,000 rioters who overturned police cars and set fires, leading to 28 arrests and numerous injuries. This event became a national issue, prompting discussions in legislatures and the establishment of the Airin Labor and Welfare Center in 1970 to supervise the labor market and provide support.

Subsequent riots followed a similar pattern. The 22nd riot in October 1990 involved day labourers and outsiders setting fires at Shin-Imamiya Station and local stores, amid ongoing tensions. The last large-scale clash, the 24th, occurred in June 2008, lasting six days and tied to protests ahead of the G8 summit, following claims of police torture. These events highlighted deep-seated issues of poverty and marginalization. In recent years, as Osaka prepares for the World Expo 2025, efforts at slum clearance have led to evictions and the closure of the Airin Labor and Welfare Center, symbolizing both progress and displacement.

A Humble Beginning

Derailleur Brew Works emerged from this challenging backdrop, drawing inspiration from Nishinari’s resilient spirit. Founded by Yamazaki san, the brewery stems from Cyclo, a nursing care company he established in 2014 to support people with disabilities through basic tasks like bagging screws. Yamazaki, then 42, listened to his workers’ dreams of creating and succeeding with their own hands. Drawing inspiration from Nishinari’s turbulent past, where illegal beer brewing was a gritty staple during the ward’s street battles in the 1990s, he envisioned a legitimate craft brewery as a path to empowerment.

In 2017, experimental brews began in rented space, leading to a brewing license and official opening in April 2018. The flagship Nishinari Riot Ale, a crisp American pale ale, honours the ward’s rebellious past while attracting modern drinkers, including western backpackers exploring the evolving neighbourhood. The name “Derailleur,” referencing a bicycle gear shifter, symbolises life’s adaptive shifts.

Mission-Driven Brewing: Jobs, Training, and Community

At its core, Derailleur Brew Works is a social enterprise with a clear mission: to provide meaningful employment for individuals society often deems unemployable. This includes people with physical and intellectual disabilities, former addicts, and others who’ve struggled with traditional job markets — many of whom were once clients of Cyclo’s care services.

Yamazaki’s vision extends beyond charity; it’s about building skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging in a ward where poverty and stigma run deep. Operations buzz with activity: employees handle everything from mashing grains and brewing to labelling bottles, sales, deliveries, and even serving at the brewery’s pubs. Full-time staff enjoy a four-day workweek, while part-timers craft flexible schedules around their needs, ensuring no one is overwhelmed.

In just two years, the workforce ballooned from a handful to about 70, quadrupling the number of disabled hires to around 65. This growth hasn’t come easy — high personnel costs devour nearly all profits, making it a constant challenge to meet surging demand for their beers, now sold across Japan in restaurants, bars, and supermarkets from Osaka to Tokyo and Kyoto.

The brewery’s three pubs — two in Osaka and one in Nagoya — serve as lively hubs where staff interact directly with customers, honing social skills alongside brewing expertise.

Beers, Awards, and Personal Triumphs

Derailleur’s lineup tells a story of creativity and resilience. Over the years, they’ve brewed more than 100 varieties, from the ever-popular Riot Ale to experimental delights like a mixed-juice IPA and limited-edition stouts. Their dedication to quality has earned accolades, including seven prizes at the Japan Great Beer Awards and two silver medals at the 2018 International Beer Cup—proof that passion brewed in Nishinari can stand tall on the national stage. In 2025 they won gold and silver awards at the World Beer Awards.

But the real magic happens in the stories of those behind the bottles. For the individuals who work in the brewery, Derailleur isn’t just a job — it’s a lifeline, with perfect attendance rates soaring and a newfound “unifying force” in the shared pride of their craft.