(Courtesy Sapporo)

Tokyo Hiro, a tattoo genius, whose art has been embraced rock stars and professional athletes, has created new artwork for Sapporo that showcases his brilliant east-meets-west style.

Here’s the deal…

2025 is the Year of the Snake and Sapporo U.S.A. is celebrating with a special artist collaboration six-pack, featuring the art by Tokyo Hiro, a legend in the tattoo world.

Hiro is a tattoo phenomenon who has designed album covers, merch and more for professional athletes, bands and brands like Bad Religion, The Offspring, Mötley Crüe, Motörhead, Fender, Adidas, Hurley and others.

Sapporo and Tokyo Hiro are joined by their Japanese heritage, passion for artistry and pioneering spirits.  In fact, Hiro’s story mirrors that of Sapporo’s first Brewmaster, Seibei Nakagawa, who left Japan at the age of 17 at a time when leaving was strictly forbidden. He learned the craft of brewing in Germany and went on to become Japan’s first German-trained brewmaster.

Hiro’s journey is similar. He was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan and began spending time in the US in high school. He walked away from his prospects as a professional baseball player for his infatuation with American culture, punk rock, metal and tattoo artistry.

(Tokyo Hiro / Courtesy Sapporo)

Hiro’s  2025 artwork features visually arresting snake and peony artwork in his distinct east-meets-west style.

“When I was learning to tattoo under Bob Roberts of Spotlight Tattoo, he would always tell me, ‘east meets west, that’s your style,’ explained Hiro. “I feel so lucky to work with Sapporo on this project because we both understand what this means. Sapporo adopted German brewing in Japan in the same way I’ve combined my Japanese and U.S. experiences.”

Available now through March on all Sapporo packaging including its iconic 22oz cans, Hiro’s  “Year of the Snake” artwork features two snakes flowing around the package and the Sapporo can. The open mouth on one snake wards off evil spirits while the closed mouth of the other keeps good spirits in. The two together are representative of the end and beginning of the New Year.

Sapporo’s “Year of the Snake” packaging is also adorned with Asian peony artwork. Considered the queen of flowers in Japanese culture, peonies are associated with honor, good fortune and prosperity.

Sapporo is the oldest beer of Japan and the number one selling Japanese beer in the US, and their alliance with Hiro sets a new standard when it comes to beer art and packaging.