Japan - Breweries

The Kirin Brewery was established in 1885, formerly known as The Japan Brewery Company Limited (pre February 1907). The brewery was formed after taking over the assets of the Spring Valley Brewery that was first founded in Yokohama in 1869 by Norwegian-American brewer, William Copeland.
Some of the Brewery's Range
Kirin Beer - First brewed in 1888 and one of the country's oldest beer brands
Ichiban Shibori -

Over the years the brand identity is updated and re-launched with subtle changes, a change of Logo or a new font.
Sometimes this brand update is done by the new owners after a brewery has been sold, other times just to give the brand a fresh new look on the ever growing market.

Below are some notes to help identify some of these changes and an aid to reference the year of the glass.