# Japanese beer giants raided in price-fixing probe

> Japan’s top beer brands face police investigation over alleged price collusion.
- Title: Japanese beer giants raided in price-fixing probe · Dexerto
- Summary: Japan’s top beer brands face police investigation over alleged price collusion. Japan’s largest beer makers, including Asahi and Kirin, are under…
- Keywords: japan, asahi, kirin, suntory spirits, sapporo, japan fair trade commission, price fixing, antimonopoly act, gaming, sports, Japanese, beer
- Source: Dexerto — https://dexerto.com/entertainment/japanese-beer-giants-raided-by-police-in-price-fixing-cartel-investigation-3416364
- Author: James Busby
- Published: 2026-10-07T15:06:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: japan, asahi, kirin, suntory spirits, sapporo, japan fair trade commission, price fixing, antimonopoly act, gaming, sports
## Japan’s beer giants under investigation
Japan’s Fair Trade Commission raided Asahi, Kirin, Suntory Spirits and reportedly Sapporo over alleged price-fixing collusion in October 2026.
## Price increases under scrutiny
The investigation focuses on price hikes in October 2022 and April 2025 when all four manufacturers raised prices citing higher raw material, energy and transportation costs.
## Companies respond to probe
Kirin confirmed its brewing subsidiary was searched 'on suspicion of a violation of the Antimonopoly Act' and will cooperate with the JFTC investigation, while Suntory Spirits apologized for any inconvenience.
## Key takeaway

Japan’s largest beer makers, including Asahi and Kirin, are under investigation by the Fair Trade Commission for suspected price-fixing in 2022 and 2025.