Interview: Dassai Head Spills the Secrets Behind its Global Success
Apr. 1. 2021 writer:
How did the world-famous sake brand Dassai achieve its stellar global reputation? Dassai head Sakurai spills the details.
brewery
Tatenokawa’s Marketing Director Brings New Perspective to an Old Industry
Feb. 21. 2020 writer:
In the sake world, it’s often the toji - or "brewmaster" - who gets the lion’s share of the praise. But while toji may play a very important role, sake brewing requires a lot of hands on deck - some of whom, increasingly, contribute skills that have little to do with the actual brewing process. Breweries like Tatenokawa, Inc. are starting to take seriously the parts of the business that don’t get fermented and bottled, often to great effect.
Tokyo Port Brewery: The 100 year-old Brewery with a New Lease on Life
Feb. 13. 2020 writer:
In most businesses, the idea of a company lying dormant for a century and returning as a successful operation is unheard of. But in the sake world anything is possible and the only kura currently brewing in the heart of Tokyo is a perfect example. It’s also a great sake destination in its own right for anyone visiting the Tokyo area.
Making Sake Fun Again: KIKUSUI’s President Talks on the Philosophy of Running a Global Sake Brand
Feb. 6. 2020 writer:
For a Japanese sake manufacturer, KIKUSUI is making unprecedented headway in the American market. KIKUSUI president Daisuke Takasawa explains the company's international success in this exclusive interview.
Want to Start a Sake Brewery in Japan? It’s Now a whole lot easier
Jan. 29. 2020 writer:
For decades in Japan, the idea of a start-up sake brewery, or “kura,” was virtually unheard of due to strict government regulation. But, this year sees a significant loosening of these restrictions, making the idea of opening a new brewery much more feasible. It’s an ongoing process of deregulation in its early stages, but here’s what we know so far:
Why Tour a Brewery When You Can Spend the Weekend in One? World’s First Sake Brewery Hotel to Open in Nagano
Jan. 23. 2020 writer:
Kurabito Stay, a new start-up in Nagano Prefecture, offers guests three-day, two-night stays in an actual sake brewery. It’s such a perfect travel experience for fans of sake or Japanese culture in general that it’s a surprise no one’s thought of it sooner. But, Kurabito Stay wasn’t easy to get off the ground, and took some ingenuity and a little luck for mother-turned-entrepreneur Mariko Tazawa to pull off.
Growing Number of Breweries Taking Up Farming to Bring Sake Production to Another Level
Jan. 9. 2020 writer:
The sake industry is currently in a new state of change. Domestic demand is continually slipping and yet global sales have never been better and continue to grow. This leaves the producers at an interesting crossroads the likes of which they have never seen before. For one group of 12 breweries, the key to drinkers’ hearts worldwide and to the future of sake lies in sustainably and locally produced organic rice made in-house.
People First: KIKUSUI’s Commitment to Empowering through Education
Dec. 19. 2019 writer:
A chance encounter led KIKUSUI and their American distributor, Mutual Trading, to join forces in employee education. SAKETIMES goes behind the scenes of the immersive internship at the brewer’s facilities.
Taiji Okura: From SAKETIMES Intern to Future Head of One of Japan’s Biggest Breweries
Nov. 28. 2019 writer:
Taiji Okura has followed a career path traveled by few; partly due to birthright, partly due to personal ambition, he’s carved an interesting trail and is all but destined for greatness. But the likely future head of Gekkeikan says his time spent interning here at this very publication, SAKETIMES, was as important a stepping stone as any on his way to the top.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Nov 5, 2019
Nov. 5. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Nagai Brewery’s sake gets the vegan stamp of approval in time for the Olympics. Then, Hokkaido aims to become a major force in sake with Japan’s first brewery operating on a university campus. Finally, OuSake offers a variety of lectures in Shanghai to spread the sake gospel.
The Best Place to Grab Sake Before You Go at Narita Airport
Sep. 12. 2019 writer:
Terminal 2 of the airport houses a duty-free liquor shop that lets you sample sake before buying. Team SAKETIMES was invited to get a frontline view of what makes this outlet special.
Den Sake: The Story of a Sake Pioneer in Modern America
Sep. 5. 2019 writer:
Starting from the ground up in a foreign land, Yoshihiro Sako launchedBegan Den Sake in Oakland, California. It’s uncharted territory for the one-man brewery full of challenges, but also full of unlimited possibilities and adventure in a literal wild west of sake.
Interview : The Secret Behind KIKUSUI Sake
Jul. 4. 2019 writer:
We speak with one of KIUSUI's top engineers on sake brewing, the friendly relationship shared by Niigata’s producers, and delivering new experiences to sake fans.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Jul 2, 2019
Jul. 2. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Cool Japan is looking to show China, Hong Kong, and Macau how cool sake can be. Then, Kiku-Masamune is bringing their long-awaited Hyakumoku sake brand to the United States and threw a bash to celebrate. Finally, those traditional square sake cups called masu are about to get a huge upgrade with holograms and streaming audio.
Toji Pull Their Weight: The Heaviest Sake-making Equipment
Jun. 20. 2019 writer:
Sake is sometimes seen as a classy drink which belies the hours of backbreaking labor that goes into making it. So let’s take a look behind the scenes at some of the things brewery staff have to haul around on a daily basis and weigh them all for good measure.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Apr 30, 2019
Apr. 30. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: It’s Detroit Rock Sake as several brands of KISS Sake roll out over the year at Tower Records. Then, you can be one of the lucky owners of the first ever sake brewed in Paris by the trailblazers at WAKAZE. Finally, Gekkeikan had the brilliant idea of surveying duty free staff in order to customize a sake that appeals especially to foreign visitors.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Apr 16th, 2019
Apr. 16. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Konishi Brewer wasn’t just thinking out loud when they suggested a sake in the shape of Ed Sheeran. Then, a guaranteed gift for the person who has everything - a Bluetooth speaker that looks like the cedar ball traditionally used by sake breweries. Finally, sake breweries are increasingly heading over to crowdfunding site Makuake, inspiring a number of groundbreaking projects.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Mar 12th, 2019
Mar. 12. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Hats off to Chang Hung Liang for winning a sake sommelier’s highest honor. Then, SakéOne in the US is hoping you crack open one of their new canned sake offerings. Craft Sake Week returns with a cavalcade of best sake along with delicious meals from Japan’s best restaurants and shops around Japan.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Mar 5th, 2019
Mar. 5. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: A brand new variation of sake is delivering Parisian chefs into spiritual bliss. Then, a simple yet cleverly effective sticker may help global sake sales. Finally, 20-somethings are likely to spend more on sake for themselves and loved ones, according to a recent survey.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Feb 26th, 2019
Feb. 26. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Sake producers Hakutsuru and Takara Shuzo duke it out for the top spot, with a new winner taking the title… for now. Then, the amazing art of Nada sake barrel making is crowned a Cultural Heritage. Finally, VR-enhanced tours let you explore sake breweries from the comfort of home!
Dassai: The Sake Brand that Dared to Be Different
Feb. 15. 2019 writer:
To survive in a harsh market, the makers of Dassai, Asahi Shuzo, needed to evolve. In doing so, they’ve found success around the world, but have they also turned their backs on tradition?
KIKUSUI Sake Culture Institute Makes Sake Education Accessible to the Masses
Feb. 12. 2019 writer:
"We’ve reached an age in which producing great sake isn’t necessarily enough to translate into great sales."
What’s the Difference Between Sake and Shochu?
Jan. 31. 2019 writer:
Japan's two signature alcoholic drinks might be easily confused but are really quite different and have complex worlds of their own.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Jan 8th, 2019
Jan. 8. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Not only is New Zealand ready to compete in rugby this year in Japan, but they are bringing their sake game too, with Zenkuro. Then, will you be one of the very few lucky owners of a bottle of Link 8888, an experimental and highly exclusive sake matured in Chivas Regal barrels? Finally, Iki was an island once overflowing with sake, only to go dry 28 years ago, but one brewery has stepped up and decided to bring it back!
SAKETIMES NEWS – Dec 11th, 2018
Dec. 11. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Sanyohai Brewery Damaged in Fire, Donations Now Open.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Dec 4th, 2018
Dec. 4. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Dassai to Open New York Brewery / Five Niigata Sake Breweries Save Forests / Fukui Prefecture Unveils New Sake Rice
SAKETIMES NEWS – Nov 20th, 2018
Nov. 20. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Line of Sake Cups by Michelin-recognized Expert / Dassai Design Award / Celebration of Hakkaisan Brewery's Kosher Certification
Tsunekichi Okura: The Henry Ford of Japanese sake
Aug. 23. 2018 writer:
How a 13-year-old transformed a small Fushimi brewery into a global powerhouse and changed the world of Japanese sake forever.
Gekkeikan Sake – At Home in California
Jun. 29. 2018 writer:
How a centuries old Japanese sake brewer, Gekkeikan, achieved the American dream in Folsom, California.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Jun 12th, 2018
Jun. 12. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Craft Beer Breweries from Japan & U.S.A. Collaborate / Sake from Ancient Rice Variety / Bases Loaded with New Sake
SAKETIMES NEWS – Jun 5th, 2018
Jun. 5. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Robot Izakaya in Seattle / Sake Museum Achieved 3 Millionth Visitors / Sake Learning App in English
SAKETIMES NEWS – Apr 17th, 2018
Apr. 17. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Dassai became cat / Storage Bags That Stay Frozen for 2 hours / special sake used flower yeast
Kanpai London Craft Sake: The U.K.’s first sake brewery
Apr. 12. 2018 writer:
"Sake is our baby. In a way, making koji is like having a newborn."
American Duo Brings Sake Brewing to Brooklyn
Mar. 29. 2018 writer:
Brooklyn Kura became New York’s first Sake Brewery in January
Chuichi Kato: The Artist Painting Japan’s Vanishing Sake Breweries
Mar. 23. 2018 writer:
After retiring, former researcher Chuichi Kato became a painter, depicting 900 of unique beauty of Japan’s traditional sake breweries and the ancient trees that surround them.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Mar 13th, 2018
Mar. 13. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - CIA Develop Brewery in NY / Sake Bottle Receives Design Award / Saké Fest Returns to Portland
SAKETMES NEWS – Feb 27, 2018
Feb. 27. 2018 writer:
The Latest Sake News from Around The World - Top 20 Restaurants / Chocolate Tasting / New York Brewery
Funaguchi Kikusui Ichiban Shibori: Once a “brewery only” specialty, now available anytime, anywhere in Japan
Feb. 22. 2018 writer:
Sake fans used to have to travel to the KIKUSUI brewery in Niigata to enjoy the taste of Funaguchi Kikusui Ichiban Shibori, but this freshly-pressed sake is now available throughout Japan year-round. The details of how Funaguchi Kikusui Ichiban Shibori came to be is full of first-in-Japan developments — it's quite the story!
Global Market Leaders Rediscover Sake
Oct. 18. 2017 writer:
In February, industry experts from America and Hong Kong were invited to come and explore sake's potential to conquer the world as part of the islands' ongoing "Cool Japan" PR drive to export Japanese culture.
