City of Moreton Bay is raising a glass to collaboration and international friendship with the creation of a uniquely local beer for its friendship city in Japan.

The council, UniSC and award-winning Brendale-based Hip Hops Brewers have teamed up to brew a special edition craft beer to toast the city’s long-standing relationship with Sanyo-Onoda.

The Tomodachi Lager – which translates to ‘friendship beer’ – is a fusion of Japanese flavours and Moreton Bay’s thirst for innovation and collaboration. The Japanese-style rice lager features bright notes of Yuzu citrus and a subtle taste of seaweed, sourced locally and grown with the expertise of food scientists from UniSC.

Mayor Peter Flannery said: “Council is proud to foster a collaborative business ecosystem, which allows local businesses to tap into researchers and international partners,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Our 33-year partnership with Sanyo-Onoda is a great example of how friendship cities can inspire creative projects and strengthen economic and cultural ties.

“Through this initiative, we’ve deepened our relationship with UniSC and will continue to focus on collaborative opportunities that strengthen local businesses, drive economic growth, and enhance workforce and education outcomes for our city.”

The collaborative beer was officially launched at a gift exchange at Hip Hops Brewers on Wednesday evening, where Mayor Fujita, a delegation from Sanyo-Onoda and representatives from City of Moreton Bay sampled the brew and shared tokens of friendship.

Hip Hops Head Brewer Shaun Reeves said: “Tomodachi Lager was a joy to create. It’s a refreshing take on a rice lager, with a distinctly Japanese twist thanks to the Japanese flavours of citrusy yuzu and seaweed umami.

“We’re excited to share it with the community and proud to be part of a project that brings people together through flavour while also promoting our City to an international audience.”

UniSC Aquaculture Professor Nicholas Paul has been growing, studying and experimenting with seaweeds for decades, and said he was thrilled to contribute to such a unique brew.

“The sea lettuce we provided grows just off the coast here at Moreton Bay, but it’s actually very popular in Japan – where they call it aosa – and it’s used to boost the umami flavour of dishes,” Professor Paul said.

“Australians love their seaweed too, but it’s usually in the form of nori used in sushi rolls. We’re still just scratching the surface of how we can better utilise our amazing seaweeds. What better way to start that journey than with a beer!”

Tomodachi Lager is adorned with a commemorative label featuring Sanyo Onoda’s smile city logo along with Japanese symbols and Moreton Bay inspired illustrations.

Hip Hop Brewers at Brendale is offering a limited release of the uniquely Moreton Bay tipple.