Sake Industry News
Sake Industry News
Sake Industry News Issue #75.
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Sake Industry News Issue #75.

Kikusui In A Can turns 50, National Research Institute of Brewing video series, Argon gas for sake, ACDC RAG. Shin-Ama-Kara-Do

Welcome to Issue #75 of Sake Industry News.

There's a crisp, cool change in the air and it looks like it's finally safe to put away the tank tops for 2022.

For those of you that missed it, October 26 was Doburoku Day, so we hope you enjoyed the day with your favorite cup of thick, tangy, ricey goop. It's certainly gaining in popularity lately with no signs of slowing.

Across the country, breweries have been holding traditional Kura-iri or Kurabiraki Shinji ceremonies to mark the beginning of the new brewing season. The ceremony often involves a monk or priest from a local Shinto shrine visiting with the brewery and leading the staff in prayer for a safe and prosperous season. We wish all the brewers the best for the upcoming season.

There have already been a couple of early sightings of new sake, so it's just a matter of time before we'll be knee deep in fresh shiboritate - just how we like it!

But for now, here's the news...

Nothing But Love In Miyagi

Miyagi- As reported in SIN#66, Hirakō Shuzōten (maker of Hitakami) came to the rescue of Ōnuma Shuzōten (maker of Kenkonichi) in a warm showing of industry support, following a magnitude-six earthquake in March this year.

Ōnuma Shuzōten suffered structural damage to its brewing facilities and water supply.

In the wake of the disaster, Hirakō Shuzō extended an invitation to the troubled brewery to use their facilities for brewing.

Hirakō Shuzō suffered similar damage in a previous earthquake and had been on the receiving end of the generosity of breweries that invited them to come and brew during their time of recovery. The president of Hirakō Shuzō said he was more than happy to pay the generosity forward in helping out Ōnuma Shuzōten.  

Previously the two breweries hinted they may collaborate on a product to celebrate their partnership, and it's since been revealed they did and it's here! To celebrate the cooperation between the two breweries they have released a collaboration brew under Ōnuma Shuzōten's Fuji Masamune label.

The president of Ōnuma Shuzōten said of the collaboration, "We were a little down after suffering earthquake damage two years in a row, but now we are eager to move on to the next stage of sake brewing. It is not often that two breweries work together to brew sake, but we created something very interesting in terms of taste and standards, and I think people will enjoy it."

Fuji Masamune was born as an effort to connect Miyagi's sake culture to the rest of the country. Shipments began nationwide in October.

JG: We have seen this level of cooperation before between close competitors, and while I would not say it is unique to the sake industry or Japan, it is still very heartwarming to see things like this. I mean, to help your competition get back on their feet and help them ostensibly affect your business in the future? That commands respect, methinks.

大沼酒造 , 不二正宗, 乾坤一 , 平孝酒造 


Happy Birthday To Kikusui In A Can

Niigata- To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its iconic Funaguchi Kikusui Ichiban Shibori canned sake (coming this November), Kikusui Shuzō is rebranding the sake as Kikusui Funaguchi complete with a package revamp. 

The design pays tribute to the classic image of the "yellow can" and the "golden sake", but with a throwback white background as a nod to the product’s original package design when it was first released. Inside the can, however, is the same classic sake.

Funaguchi is a registered trademark of Kikusui Shuzō. The name comes from the way the sake is pressed fresh from the fune style press unpasteurized and undiluted.

JG: Congratulations to Kikusui for the continued success of their golden bullet. Also, I did not know that the word funaguchi is a registered trademark of the company. Wow. Ya learn something new everyday!

菊水酒造 , ふなぐち 菊水 一番しぼり , 菊水ふなぐち


Study Up With NRIB

Hiroshima- The National Research Institute of Brewing (NRIB) has released a series of educational videos in English to help those with an interest in sake deepen their knowledge and understanding of nihonshu. Each video delves into different topics related to sake, including history, varieties, serving styles and food pairings based on the Institute's research and expertise.

It is hoped the videos will continue to encourage awareness and further export growth of sake worldwide.

Source - PR News

JG: I have not yet seen the series, but I am quite sure they will be thorough and educational, as it is - after all -the NRIB. I am myself particularly interested in their take on sake and food, but I am sure that all of them are great. Check ‘em out!


Age Catches Up To All Of Us...Even The King

Hyogo- For 86 years Yamada-Nishiki has reigned as the King Of Sake Rice, but with the ongoing effects of climate change being felt in the fields and more brewers and farmers looking north for better growing conditions, there is concern the king may fall.

In order to protect from the environmental changes, action is being taken at the Sake Rice Research and Exchange Center to improve the biology of Hyogo's pride and joy.

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Sake Industry News
Sake Industry News
Sake Industry News is a twice-monthly newsletter covering news from within the sake industry in Japan.