Sankt Gallen, a craft brewery in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, has begun general sales of its two "Kuroneko no Okimochi" (Black Cat Feelings) beers — "Omedeto" (Brut-IPA) and "Arigato" (Pale Ale) — which had previously been available only through LINE Gift.
A Beer Inspired by a Rescued Black Cat
The beers are modeled on a black cat that was rescued from a drainage ditch beside Sankt Gallen's brewery and now lives together with the brewery's staff. Each label features bold lettering alongside the cat: "Omedeto" for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations, and "Arigato" for everyday thanks and small tokens of gratitude — feelings that can feel a little embarrassing to say out loud but come across easily when delivered together with a beer.
The two beers first went on sale exclusively through LINE Gift on February 22, 2026 (Japan's "Cat Day"). Since then, requests from cat lovers wanting to buy them in stores, for themselves, or to sell in their own shops led to the decision to open general sales.
The beers are now available through Sankt Gallen's official online shop as well as at retail outlets, and are positioned as gifts for a wide range of occasions — from birthdays and anniversaries to summer gifts, Respect for the Aged Day, and small tokens of appreciation.
Kuroneko no Okimochi Beer "Omedeto"
A mischievous black cat quietly reaches out for a slice of cake — but really, it just wants to celebrate together. A slightly aloof "congratulations."
Dry and sharp on the palate, with tropical hop aromas that pop like celebratory party crackers.
For birthdays, exam passes, and anniversaries alike — raise a glass with the black cat.
- Style: Brut-IPA
- Alcohol: 6%
- Volume: 330 ml
- Ingredients: Malt, hops
- Best-by period: 90 days (requires refrigeration)
- Suggested retail price: ¥539
Kuroneko no Okimochi Beer "Arigato"
Playing with a mizuhiki cord, the black cat flops onto its back. On the day this not-so-honest cat shows its belly, it's surely a sign of "thank you."
A bright citrus hop aroma paired with a soft, gentle body — a comforting glass that puts the mind at ease.
From everyday gratitude to small thank-yous, farewells, and retirements, the black cat carries the message of "thank you."
- Style: Pale Ale
- Alcohol: 5%
- Volume: 330 ml
- Ingredients: Malt, hops
- Best-by period: 90 days (requires refrigeration)
- Suggested retail price: ¥539
From LINE Gift Exclusive to General Sale
The beers were originally planned around a feature of LINE Gift — the ability to send a gift casually even without knowing the recipient's address — as a way to deliver feelings of "congratulations" and "thank you" together with a beer. They launched exclusively through LINE Gift on February 22, 2026, "Cat Day."
"Omedeto" and "Arigato" are words exchanged in everyday moments across Japan, from birthdays and anniversaries to seasonal gifts, farewells, retirements, and small tokens of thanks.
Building on the simple, eye-catching black cat label design and the easy-to-understand messages "Omedeto" and "Arigato," the beers will now be offered for a wider range of occasions — as gifts for cat lovers, presents handed over in person, souvenirs, or just for personal enjoyment.
Part of Sales Donated to Cat Rescue Activities
The cat featured on the label was rescued from a drainage ditch beside Sankt Gallen's brewery and is now cared for by the brewery's staff.
Breweries have historically kept cats — known as "brewery cats" — to protect malt from rodents, and that tradition lives on today in the many cat-themed beer labels found around the world.
Sankt Gallen has repeatedly featured black cats in its labels and beers over the years, and the rescued cat has since become an indispensable part of the brewery.
Through this beer, modeled on a cat rescued beside the brewery, Sankt Gallen will donate part of the proceeds to cat rescue activities.
Official Website: https://www.sanktgallenbrewery.com/kuronekonookimochi/
