By Kosuke KujiIn the midst of such discussions, singer Gen Hoshino launched “Come Dance at Our place,” a YouTube channel uploading copyright free parodies and dance videos from various viewers. Sake breweries such as President Mitobe of the Yamagata Masamune Brewery, Yamagata Prefecture, started thi...

In this issue, we introduce terms to describe Japanese sake flavors, just like a sommelier for reference. Terms to Describe the “Feel” of Japanese SakeDelicate, silky smooth, sharp, strong, with no sharp edge, soft, gentle, balanced, full, well-rounded, viscous, smooth, fresh, mellow, mild, refreshi...

By Ryuji TakahashiI am a Japanese sake expert and owner of a sake shop in Tokyo. However, that doesn’t mean I enjoy only sake. In fact, I’m a fan of I...

By Yuji MatsumotoIn this issue, I’d like to report on a secret to enhance pairing of Japanese cuisine with sake.First, please have three brands of Japanese sake with very different properties. For example, select Junmai Daiginjo, Tokubetsu Junmai, and Junmai Kimoto from different regions. Glasses us...

By Kosuke KujiThe novel COVID-19 coronavirus is sweeping across Japan and worldwide. In the midst of the pandemic, one Japanese sake brewery started a business to revive Japan. Since March when the coronavirus infection started to spread, many sake breweries started to stay home nationwide. Usually,...

Sake aroma is mellow when first poured, but changes over time. For example, the gradually released aroma of flowers and fruits increases the complexity of the sake aroma, ultimately dissipating into a faint, spicy aroma. Sake aroma changes over time in the following 3 phases: 1. First Aroma Note: Sa...

By Ryuji TakahashiI write a monthly column for a publication specializing in Japanese sake. One day, I received a phone call from the owner of Shiokawa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. in Niigata prefecture, who read my column and invited me to their brewery to sample their sake products. Simply put, my colum...

By Yuji MatsumotoAmerican customers who come to Japanese restaurants anticipate enjoying cuisine and beverages not available in general American restaurants or supermarkets. According to a previously publicized survey, 70 American customers asked what they most look forward to at a Japanese restaura...

By Kosuke KujiSince the decision was made to manufacture rubbing alcohol, I still had a concern that left me hesitant. Founded in 1902, Nanbu Bijin since the first-generation owner upheld “quality first” as the family motto and corporate management principle, brewing sake to serve “delicious” sake t...

Sake aroma is difficult to describe in one phrase. However, focusing one’s senses helps to detect the aroma of various plants and food ingredients harmonized together. This issue introduces the below aromas detected in sake. Summer Aromas Chestnuts, cashew nuts, peanuts, roasted chestnuts, thin ches...