Sake breweries across Japan have begun producing high-alcohol content liquids for use in place of the alcohol-based sanitizers that have become scarce during the COVID-19 crisis.
Kazuki Haruta, president of Kikisui Sake Co. based in Kochi Prefecture, said he arrived at the idea of producing a spirit with 77 percent alcohol content after considering how his company could contribute to combating the virus fight while making use of the large quantities of raw materials the brewery has on hand.
The firm has been flooded with over 10,000 orders and inquiries from across Japan about the product, which went on sale last Friday, following its announcement.