Sake Industry News. Issue #79.

Welcome to Issue #79 of SIN and Happy New Year to all!

Here we are on the first day of 2023 - the year of the rabbit! What to expect from the New Year? Well, if the past has taught us anything, it's that we know not to make too many assumptions about how the next twelve months will play out.

But it is looking positive. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, things are slowly getting back to some kind of normality and Japan is finally loosening up a little.

The New Year means an increase in sake consumption as many head back to their hometowns, often picking up a bottle or two of sake to share with family.

It's also the peak time for production of ceremonial kegs, called “taru.” Orders for the specially made cedar barrels often rise by up to 40% at this time of year. The barrels are painstakingly put together with finely carved staves and finished with decorative ropes and straw mat only to be, in many cases, smashed open as part of New Year celebrations at shrines and temples around the country.

And of course, the New Year means resolutions and predictions. Given the unpredictability of recent years we have eschewed our "predictions for the year to come" this time, however it is interesting to reflect on how some of our predictions for 2022 played out.

Prediction 1. More kimoto, especially domestically

It's hard to gauge this without hard data to back it up, however kimoto/yamahai sake do seem to be increasing in visibility and becoming more accepted among consumers as styles without the "freak factor" of them being treated as something left of center or unsuitable for casual drinkers.

Prediction 2. More rich, intense sake - especially in overseas markets

Again, this is hard to assess without hard data, but it would seem from what types of sake are appearing in restaurants, bars and sake distributor portfolios that the market has clearly matured beyond just ginjō and daiginjō sake with some going as far as "specializing" in deeper, rich examples of sake.

Prediction 3. Exports will continue their rebound

Given the way the Yen has tanked over the past year, it's fair to say this prediction came true as many have taken advantage of Japan's economic weakness.

Prediction 4. Increased under the radar supportive government involvement

Another tough one! It needs to be qualified. Government support? Yes, that increased. But it was hardly under the radar, but rather quite visible. And, it was more focused on improving domestic consumption than exports. That was a good thing. So: yes.

Prediction 5. More sake brands will seem to appear on the market

This prediction was more of a long-term prediction, however so far it has proved somewhat accurate as more breweries revive old brands, collaboration brews are on the rise as part of regional revival campaigns and foreign-made sake is ever so slowly starting to appear in sake bars and retail stores around major cities.

So, what will 2023 have in store? We'll have to wait and see, but rest assured SIN will bring you the news as it happens.

Again, wishing all our readers the best for a prosperous and healthy 2023.

And now for the news...

Next 5 Shows Its True Colors

Akita- After a two-year hiatus, NEXT 5 of Akita is back.