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Perspectives

In the Quiet of the Royal Palace

English ภาษาไทย 日本語 In the Quiet of the Royal Palace, What Sake Conveys—A Presentation to Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn June 5, 2026, Bangkok. A delegation in formal attire, distinguished by subtle purple emblems, was ushered into a reception room of the Thai Royal Family. Within the dignified stillness, two bottles of sake rested on […]

Perspectives

The Molecular Harmony of Sake and Foie Gras

How Koji Shapes Aroma The Molecular Harmony of Sake and Foie Gras: How Koji Shapes Aroma Sake is increasingly sharing space with wine on the menus of Bangkok’s fine dining establishments. Previously, its appeal was often framed in purely sensory terms: “It offers a Japanese nuance,” or “It feels light on the palate.” Recently, however, […]

BENIOTOME

Four Years in the Blind Tasting Arena

The Pedigree of Beniotome STANDARD, the World’s Pioneering Sesame Shochu Four Years in the Blind Tasting Arena, The Pedigree of Beniotome STANDARD, the World’s Pioneering Sesame Shochu The name “Beniotome STANDARD” has graced the results of the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) for four consecutive years. Yet, a closer examination of this record reveals […]

Perspectives

The Limits of “Carbon Neutral”

Wine Regions and the Philosophy of Regenerative Agriculture The Limits of “Carbon Neutral”, Wine Regions and the Philosophy of Regenerative Agriculture As 2026 begins, a distinct phrase is quietly emerging on the labels of progressive wineries across Europe and North America. Alongside established certifications such as “Organic” and “Biodynamic,” the words “Regeneratively Grown” are now […]

Perspectives

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, […]

Perspectives

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. […]

Perspectives

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 […]

Perspectives

Shichida Junmai Ginjo Omachi 50

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

The Missing Depth in Non-Alcoholic Drinks—and How Koji Rebuilds the Glass

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 […]

Perspectives

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 […]

Perspectives

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 […]