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Stories of makers, ingredients, places and the decisions behind Japan's most compelling drinks.

Drink

The True Vernacular of the Land

Honkaku Shochu as ‘Jizake’ The True Vernacular of the Land: Honkaku Shochu as ‘Jizake’ The term “jizake”｜often translated simply as “local sake”｜has long been synonymous with nihonshu. Found on izakaya menus and liquor shop shelves, it is naturally accepted as a reference to traditional brewed rice wine. Yet, a deeper engagement with honkaku shochu (single-distilled, […]

Drink

The Four-Year Journey of Fubaika

A Quiet Triumph at TWSC 2026 The Four-Year Journey of Fubaika, A Quiet Triumph at TWSC 2026 In May 2026, the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) recognized a single rice shochu with both its Highest Gold Award and the category’s top honor, “Best of the Best.” This distinction went to Hakkaisan Honkaku Rice Shochu […]

DAIYAME, SEKITOBA

A Debut Recognition

Satsushu Sekitoba and the Horizon of Imo Shochu In May 2021, the official results of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) sent a quiet ripple through the industry. At this globally recognized event, evaluating thousands of spirits annually, a Japanese sweet potato shochu earned a Double Gold Medal, the highest distinction in its category. […]

Drink

In a Shrinking World of Wine, Where Is Value Headed?

The Structural Shift Reflected in OIV’s Preliminary 2025 Figures In a Shrinking World of Wine, Where Is Value Headed? ｜ The Structural Shift Reflected in OIV’s Preliminary 2025 Figures Global wine production has remained at historically low levels for three consecutive years. According to preliminary 2025 figures released by the International Organisation of Vine and […]

Drink

Shichida Junmai Ginjo Omachi 50｜How Paris Reframed Sake Evaluation in 2017

The Sake That Redefined Evaluation in Paris In 2017, the inaugural Kura Master sake competition in Paris culminated in the announcement of its highest honor: the President’s Prize. A panel of leading French sommeliers awarded the title to Shichida Junmai Ginjo Omachi 50, crafted by Tenzan Sake Brewery in Saga Prefecture. The deciding factor was […]

Drink

Why a Non-Drinker’s Glass Can Feel Unsatisfying｜Four Ways Koji Give Non-Alcoholic Drinks Substance

Have you ever ordered a non-alcoholic beverage and felt an inexplicable void? It arrives perfectly chilled, offering a pleasant aroma. Yet, after a few sips, the intrigue fades. Many dismiss this simply as the absence of alcohol. However, the true reason lies deeper: when alcohol is removed, the structural space it occupied is often left […]

Drink

When Koji Returns

What “Reverse Import” Asks of the Future of Fermentation In the commentary of chefs abroad and the pages of international culinary journals, a persistent refrain emerges: “I learned about koji through noma, or through fermentation books published in English.” Learning about Japanese koji through Western literature｜I found myself dwelling for some time on the paradox […]

Drink

Organic Wine Leaves the “Niche” Behind

Three Market Currents Defining 2026 Mentions of organic wine on social media have increased by 150% year over year. Data from food and beverage analytics platform Tastewise reveals that this figure represents far more than a fleeting trend. It signals a profound structural shift: organic wine is transcending its long-standing reputation as a niche selection […]

CRAFT BEER

Rice as a Common Language Brewed by Thailand and Japan

Where Bangkok’s Craft Beer Returns From June 8 to 10, 2026, the Bangkok Brewing Conference 2026 will convene in the capital. This specialized forum, gathering brewing professionals from across the region, has quietly expanded its presence year after year. What the conference illuminates is a beautifully paradoxical trajectory currently emerging within Thailand’s craft beer scene.After […]

Drink

A Prayer Named Wings: Toyama’s Haneya from the Brink of Bankruptcy to the World

The Silent Transformation of Toyama’s Haneya In the quiet landscapes of Toyama, Fumigiku Shuzo has stood since 1916. Like many traditional breweries navigating the currents of changing times, it faced decades of declining sake consumption and profound financial pressure. Yet, out of these quiet struggles emerged “Haneya”｜a brand that would redefine the brewery’s destiny. Today, […]

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