Jun. 13. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: Rising costs around the world take their toll on two of sake’s biggest names. Then, this year marks the debut of the promising new Hyogo Sake Expo. Last, sake and music powerhouses join forces to celebrate their home of Kochi Prefecture.
May. 23. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: The results are in for the Medal round of the International Wine Challenge 2022 Sake Division. Then, when a historic brewery burns down, people from around Japan come to its aid. Last, Remote Sake Brewing brings the joy of growing sake rice to your front door.
May. 9. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: The American Craft Sake Festival is back and ready to showcase the efforts of breweries across North America. Then, a craft brewery in Japan raises funds with the tempting taste of mayo made with sake lees. Last, the Monaco Sake Award 2022 searches for the very best sake to pair with caviar.
Apr. 25. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: Dassai signs a two-year deal with the New York Yankees as an official sponsor. Then, four floors of sake fun open at the eclectic Ponsh Bldg. bar and event space in Tokyo. Last, Tippsy takes its US sake subscription service to the next level with a major boost in funding.
Apr. 11. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: The winners of The Fine Sake Awards 2022 are announced, honoring the brands of sake that taste best in a wine glass. Then, Nishibori Sake Brewery finds new flavors by experimenting with light. Last, Nihonsakari finds a way to keep sake tasting fresh and clear even at high temperatures.
Mar. 28. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: Sake and soap make for an unlikely but compelling combination with the Mizubasho Artist Series. Then, make sake not war with “No War Ukraine Totomoni” by Daiichi Sake Brewery. Last, a new delivery service is helping small breweries in Japan reach a global market.
Mar. 14. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: Aged sake gets the art museum treatment at a new online gallery. Then, the magic of sake rice is captured in a tea that’s said to go well with Japanese cuisine. Last, the techniques behind brewing sake may get “Intangible Cultural Heritage” designation from the UN.
Feb. 28. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: Gaming sake is set to hit the scene in cans decorated by gaming artists from past and present. Then, a new sake set is created to show off the beauty of aruten sake firsthand. Last, for those who can’t decide which brewery in Nada-Gogo to visit, Nadagogo Sakedokoro serves sake from all 26 of them in one place.
Feb. 14. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: A startup sake brewery in Niigata is doing things a little differently and turning heads in the process. Then, Choryo Shuzo in Nara is set to become the next prime cherry blossom viewing spot with sake and beer on tap. Last, a sake brewery in Hyogo makes an unexpected leap into the pharmaceutical market.
Jan. 31. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: The winner of Asahi Shuzo’s annual rice contest sells their harvest for a small fortune. Then, Taiwanese student artists pay homage to Kyoto sake with stylish cup sets. Last, add a dash of sake to any meal with an upcoming line of sake-infused salts.
Jan. 17. 2022 writer:
In the news this week: A sake-flavored milkshake returns to Japan’s Mos Burger fast food chain. Then, a free online service finds anyone’s perfect sake match without ever tasting a drop. Last, a former Japanese idol leaves show business and enters the sake business with her own startup.
Dec. 27. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: Katsuyama Sake Brewery releases a chic and sophisticated luxury sake sampler. Then, an exquisite sake aged in Cognac barrels from Wakaze is selling out fast. Last, Nanbu Bijin brewery continues to innovate with a new image processing system to ensure accurate deliveries.
Dec. 13. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: A new English-language online sake retailer helps make choosing a favorite sake a whole lot easier. Then, Gekkeikan’s bold idea to sell experimental sake has fans clamoring for more. Last, the worlds of homebrewing and professional brewing collide with a new “Pro” version of the popular MiCURA at-home sake brewing kits.
Nov. 22. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: A decommissioned Japanese train station becomes an exciting new sake brewery. Then, two breweries in Miyagi Prefecture join forces by blending their products. Finally, voting in Japanese elections just got sweeter with an offer of free sake for voters.
Nov. 8. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: Making shirts look their whitest is yet another newly discovered use for sake lees. Then, Chiyomusubi Sake Brewery has big plans to break into the whiskey market. Finally, a Kochi City brewery wants to turn people everywhere on to the joy of drinking from a hollowed out yuzu fruit.
Oct. 25. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: A very special flavor of potato chip with the sole purpose of pairing with Yamashiroya sake. Then, for those having trouble navigating the complex world of sake flavor, a new AI system is here to help. Finally, a former Hermès VP lends his talents to the luxury sake brand SAKE HUNDRED.
Oct. 11. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: Haccoba and Heralbony are bringing together sake and art in support of artists with disabilities. Then, a prestigious head brewer without a brewery now travels Japan in pursuit of new and exciting sake. Finally, a rare chance for anyone in the world to get a free education in sake is set to kick off at the end of October.
Sep. 27. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: Hakutsuru is going even greener with an array of solar panels on their largest brewery. Then, people can’t seem to get enough of Gekkeikan’s non-alcoholic sake drinks, so they’ve created a new, dry version to keep up. Finally, World Sake Day is taking off in the US with attendance for two major events selling out.
Sep. 13. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: The smash hit anime Attack on Titan comes to the rescue of Kikunosato brewery with a special line of themed sake -- and now it’s heading for Europe. Then, an open call for chefs around the world to find the best oyster dish that pairs with sake. Finally, Shirotengu, a gin crafted from sake, is the latest innovation out of Kumazawa Brewing Company.
Aug. 23. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: An attempt gets underway to revive a sake rice lost since 1986. Then, oak barrels aren’t just for whiskey anymore as Midorikawa Sake Company demonstrates with their popular aged sake. Finally, for those who want to try sake for the first time but don’t know where to start -- now there’s an app for that.
Aug. 9. 2021 writer:
In the news this week: France’s premier sake contest, Kura Master, is back and bigger than ever. Then, Japan loosens regulations on who can brew sake and shochu maker Nekka is racing to take advantage of it. Finally, a new project by a Hokkaido brewery is rewarding customers who help them reuse bottles.
Mar. 31. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: Hyogo Prefecture’s Harima District nets the honor of becoming the fifth regional sake brand in Japan. Then, sake brewers in Hiroshima join forces with the famous wineries of Burgundy, France. Last, Denshu sake from Aomori Prefecture gets its own line of dedicated cups for the ultimate drinking experience.
Mar. 24. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: A whole new type of distilled sake hits the market with an eco-friendly angle. Then, Kubota is at it again with another new take on an old favorite. Finally, the sake drinking trends of 2020 brought to you by our very own SAKETIMES survey.
Mar. 17. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: Sake-themed KitKats are back, this time with a yogurt kick. Then, “fruit-flavored” sake without any fruit on the ingredient label. Finally, a whole new use for sake lees and a whole new business model is created with “Craft Gin Last.”
Mar. 10. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: An unusual sake tasting competition in Osaka starring sake made outside of Japan. Then, a unique collaboration between Taiwanese and Japanese sake brewing is in crowdfunding. Finally, straight out of science fiction comes an unheard of sake beverage that’s been constructed from molecules.
Mar. 3. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: The two great tastes of tequila and umeshu plum wine come together in a new Japan-Mexico collaboration. Then, sad news out of Niigata as the hugely popular Sake no Jin festival is canceled over COVID-19 concerns. Finally, Den Sake gets the star treatment from America’s public broadcaster.
Feb. 25. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: Kubota continues its mission to improve on itself during its 35th year. Then, ANA announces its 2020 lineup of sake in flights and at lounges. Finally, a brand new sake rice out of Ishikawa gets a brand new name.
Feb. 18. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: Sake continues its global spread and grows worldwide for the 10th straight year. Then, a unique new sake hopes to improve the lives of differently-abled people. Finally, a very special one-day batch of namazake sells to mark the traditional “first day of spring” in Japan.
Feb. 11. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: A new brewery set up by a town in Hokkaido is borrowing talent from an established compatriot in Gifu. Then, Craft Sake Week returns bigger than ever this year. Finally, even more sake festival fun can be had when Washu Fest rolls into Tokyo this March.
Feb. 4. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: Navigating Niigata’s many breweries can be a challenge, but luckily the Sake Tourist Information Bar is here to help. Then, breweries around Saku City are offering visitors a free ride in the form of a bus tour series. Finally, celebrate Valentine’s Day with either chocolate-flavored sake, or sake-flavored chocolates.
Jan. 28. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: Sake takes to the road in Fukui with a Kokuryu Sake Brewery catering truck. Then, a southern beauty of sake gets an elegantly subtle makeover. Finally, a huge archeological find in Kyoto unearths the oldest look at sake brewing in Japan.
Jan. 21. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: Sake joins forces with the literary world in a special set of books and booze. Then, sake partners with a major airport in Aichi to create the nation’s first sake-exclusive duty free store. Finally, sake meets the visual art world as Sawa no Tsuru commissions 13 artists for label designs.
Jan. 14. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: The most highly-evaluated sake breweries around the world come together in the 2019 World Sakagura Ranking. Then, Okinawa may be in danger of losing touch with its traditional drink of aged awamori. Finally, many residents of Kumamoto city ring in the new year with a warm sake bath.
Jan. 7. 2020 writer:
In the news this week: To help get the new year started off right, we’ve picked up two must-see events focusing on hot food and sake pairings to warm you up through January. Then, reconnect with the history of Edo through Tokyo Classic sake, made with 100-year-old yeast.
Dec. 24. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Now, anyone can order their own custom Japanese sake barrel for their next event. Then, stocking stuffers don’t get much better than an authentic, miniature sugidama. Finally, Ibaraki Prefecture honors its best and brightest brewing masters as “Hitachi Toji.”
Dec. 17. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Abysse, the sake made with Burgundy yeast, gets the 300mL bottle treatment in celebration of its success. Then, Naorai helps revitalize agriculture in Japan and makes great sake-themed drinks in the process. Finally, a traditional Japanese dessert gets a sake kick for a completely new sweet experience.
Dec. 10. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: The Vietnam-Japan Festival is coming to Ho Chi Minh and with it some great sake. Then, sake cocktails appear in an unlikely place at the newly-opened “world’s largest” Starbucks in Chicago. Finally, the much anticipated reopening of Shibuya Parco in Tokyo brings cool offerings for sake fans.
Dec. 3. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: the Japanese government is gearing up to make exporting new sake abroad easier. Then Fukui brings its sake-related wares to Hong Kong to help promote the region. Finally, Link 8888, a sake aged in Scotch barrels makes a triumphant return to store shelves.
Nov. 26. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: White Wine is reborn through Masumi sake yeast as “Goutte d’Argent.” Then, the chance to literally bathe in sake will be coming to Nagano this winter. Finally, a sake custom-designed to be had with udon noodles is thriving in the crowdfunding stage.
Nov. 19. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Far from a grueling endurance race, the Kikizake Marathon is a fun run full of costumes, food, and sake. Then, TISPY2 is an electronic drinking buddy who’s not afraid to tell you when you’ve had enough. Last, thanks to all the great dedicated sake fans out there, Sake Day is the most popular alcohol-themed holiday in Japan by a long shot.
SAKETIMES is Japan’s most viewed, shared, trusted, and relied upon online source covering all-things-sake.
