When the age of the aristocracy ended and samurais came to the forefront, major changes took place in the world of sake production. Homemade cloudy sake common up to that point gradually became obsolete and sake breweries emerged. Also, copper coins were imported from trades with China during this t...

By Ryuji TakahashiChinese restaurant Machi-chuka is a secret fad in Tokyo. Machi-chuka was featured on TV and also in an entire magazine issue. Recently, one food producer is selling pre-packaged food products and condiments named the “Machi-chuka series,” currently in demand and difficult to obtain...

By Yuji MatsumotoWhen we get into December, restaurants start becoming busy with year-end parties and Christmas parties, and we should start preparation from the beginning of November. During this time, wines and champagnes are consumed a lot and even served by restaurants, and it is disappointing t...

By Kosuke KujiThe Japanese sake industry developed as a regional industry long-established in ancient times. On the other hand, this industry is difficult to enter for beginners. New license to produce sake is nearly impossible to obtain, a controversial issue with arguments for both sides. Meanwhil...

Sake production was established by the Japanese Imperial court from the Nara period (710-784 AD) to Heian period (794-1185 AD).According to the “Engi-Shiki” stipulated in 927 AD, the administrative office “Sakenotsukasa” was established along with a brewing system. Sake brewing technology evolved ra...

By Ryuji TakahashiThis summer was too hot in Japan. The temperature seems to be rising every year. These days, exceeding 104 degF is more common. This...

By Yuji MatsumotoThe other day I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas due to business, but couldn't believe that the day high was 45 degrees C (113 ...

By Kosuke KujiThe novel coronavirus outbreak prompted the cancellation of sake events throughout Japan for nearly 3 years. Measures to prevent the spread of the virus are no longer enforced since March. No behavioral restrictions were imposed during the May Golden Week for the first time in 3 years,...

In the Yuryaku Records of the “Kojiki” (Records of Ancient Matters), the villages listed include Takaichi of Wa, Karunoichi of Yamato, and Ekanoichi of Kawaschi. Also, the “Nihonshoki” (the Chronicles of Japan) included descriptions about high-grade sake from Ekanoichi and Kibi, also consumed among ...

By Ryuji TakahashiThe previous report featured the “Fujisaki Sobei Shoten.” I’m sure some readers may think traveling to Nagatoro-machi (town) just to visit the Nagatoro-gura brewery is a long way to go. I recommend traveling by car to visit the Nagatoro-gura brewery. Readers may not recommend drivi...