Sake Takes Stage in the World of Comedic Kyōgen
Jun. 28. 2022 writer:
Sake is central to many kyōgen plays, Japan’s traditional comic theater
tradition
When Sake Fought Sweets
Dec. 23. 2021 writer:
A 19th century woodblock print of famous sake brands battling confections reveals the two products’ fight for consumer attention.
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:
Obama Brewery: Japan’s Newest licensed Brewer Also Happens to Date Back 189 Years
Dec. 3. 2019 writer:
Stories abound of age-old sake breweries in Japan passing leadership to younger generations. Obama Brewery in Fukui Prefecture, though, went the extra mile and applied for a new license under the relentlessly rigid National Tax Agency. Here’s how they did what most in the industry call “impossible.”
Sake Travel: Drinking It All In at HOSHINOYA Tokyo
Nov. 14. 2019 writer:
The luxury ryokan Japanese inn in the heart of the Otemachi business district offers guests an immersive experience of traditional Japanese culture, including lots and lots of sake.
Sake and Soy Sauce: Culinary Cousins with a Shared History
Oct. 17. 2019 writer:
On the surface, sake - a clear and sweet alcoholic drink - and soy sauce, a dark and salty condiment, might not seem to have much in common. Surprisingly, though, they’re both made in similar ways and, as a result have contributed much to each other’s development throughout history. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two cornerstones of Asian cuisine.
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.
The Lifeblood of Kyoto Culture
Jul. 25. 2019 writer:
The rich cultural life of Japan's ancient capital is steeped in sake tradition, if you know where to look.
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.
A Guide to Visiting Fushimi, the Bordeaux of Sake
May. 30. 2019 writer:
We chat with the head of the Fushimi Sake Brewers Association, Tokubee Masuda, about why this Kyoto district is a must-visit sake destination.
Sake’s Living History in Fushimi
Apr. 25. 2019 writer:
South of Kyoto, Fushimi is attracting visitors with picturesque buildings from the area's history of sake production, repurposed for the tourist trade.
A Sake Maker, a Buddhist Temple, and the Evolving Role of Traditional Institutions in Small-town Japan
Apr. 4. 2019 writer:
"The world-famous sake maker, KIKUSUI, teams up with Chotokuji, a local Buddhist temple, to give back to the neighborhood they call home - in the process providing a fascinating case study on the evolving role of traditional institutions in modern Japan."
SAKETIMES NEWS – Mar 26th, 2019
Mar. 26. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Instead of our regular three news stories, this week SAKETIMES would like to introduce you to five sake festivals coming to several places in Japan this spring. Spring is a special time in the sake industry, because a lot of the brewing takes place in the winter months and is generally completed in March, giving breweries lots to celebrate. This, combined with the natural beauty of the cherry blossom season and mild weather of spring is Japan, makes it a great time for some sake-related fun.
Sake and Sakura: A Match Made in Hanami Heaven
Mar. 22. 2019 writer:
Although cherry blossoms and sake are both iconic symbols of Japan, the two are actually more intricately linked than meets the eye. From the annual outdoor drinking parties of "hanami" to sake made from actual sakura, they’ve both worked together to mold modern Japanese culture in many ways.
Amazake: An ancient tradition for modern health
Feb. 28. 2019 writer:
Amazake is a sweet, cloudy drink with a venerable history going back over a thousand years in Japan. This article taps into its sweet potential.
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."
The Many Faces of Mirin, Sake’s Flavorful Culinary Cousin
Jan. 24. 2019 writer:
Explore all the ways to enjoy mirin, the sake-like seasoning found in nearly every kitchen in Japan but scare everywhere else.
SAKETIMES NEWS – Jan 22, 2019
Jan. 22. 2019 writer:
In the news this week: Let an artificial intelligence guide you to your ideal brand of sake at the Yummy Sake Week event in Tokyo. Then, Brussels gets its first ever sake bar at none other than the EU headquarters! Finally, Koreans, Taiwanese, and Hong Kongers agree: "drinking sake" is the best reason to travel to Japan in the winter.
The Perfect Sake for New Year’s, and Other Customs From Japan’s Most Important Holiday
Dec. 27. 2018 writer:
Join us for a look at some of the things, both traditional and modern, Japanese people do as one year becomes the next. And, learn about the traditional New Year's sake known as "toso."
A toast to “Kanpai” !
Dec. 20. 2018 writer:
Most sake fans know that “Kanpai!” is Japanese for “Cheers!” But what does the word itself mean, and what are the traditions associated with it?
Let’s Stop Calling Sake “Rice Wine,” It Deserves Better
Nov. 9. 2018 writer:
Almost all major types of alcohol are named by the way they are made, so why is "rice wine" wrongfully living in the shadow of a totally unrelated beverage?
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.
