Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Oct 12, 2019
An unexpected synergy of sake and wagyu
by Melinda Joe
Innovative sake company Nihonshu Oendan has teamed up with Yakiniku Yazawa to pair its junmai daiginjō sake with wagyu beef.
Books / Reviews | RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN Oct 6, 2019
'The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks': A compendium of Japan's alcohol traditions
by Iain Maloney
Stephen Lyman and Chris Bunting's "The Complete Guide to Japanese Drinks" is a beautiful, carefully put together coffee-table book full of insights, anecdotes and thirst-inducing pictures of Japan's various alcohols.
Food & Drink | TOKYO FOOD FILE Sep 28, 2019
Kokushu Sakaba: Knock back a glass of Saga kokushu, then try 199 more
by Robbie Swinnerton
In Kyushu, a region famed for distilleries rather than brewing, Saga is the odd prefecture out. More sake is consumed there — and less shōchū — than anywhere else in southwest Japan. And that is all the more reason for discovering Kokushu Sakaba, a ...
Food & Drink | KYOTO RESTAURANTS Sep 21, 2019
Yanagi Koji Taka: An intimate, unfussy standing bar with a tapas vibe
by J.J. O'Donoghue
After cooking in Italy, Australia and Denmark for over a decade, kaiseki chef Taka Nishimura returned to Kyoto to open Yanagi Koji Taka, a small, local joint with a menu of perfectly executed bar food.
Food & Drink Sep 14, 2019
KitKat and yuzu help put Kochi sake on the map
by Robbie Swinnerton
Nestle Japan recently released the third in its line of sake-inspired chocolates, the KitKat Mini Yuzushu Bijofu, which uses yuzu citrus liqueur from Kochi Prefecture.
Business Sep 10, 2019
Japan tax agency launches sake branding panel featuring former soccer pro Hidetoshi Nakata
The National Tax Agency has created an expert panel tasked with coming up with a branding strategy to boost exports of sake. Exports of the Japanese rice wine have hit a record high for nine straight years. Increasingly, attention is being paid not only to ingredients ...
Business Sep 5, 2019
Event held in India to promote sake and other Japanese alcoholic drinks
An event to introduce Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake rice wine and shōchū distilled spirits to Indian distributors and hotel officials was held Wednesday at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi. Nine Japanese breweries participated in the annual event, the third of its kind, ...
Food & Drink Aug 3, 2019
Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery puts a twist on Kanazawa culture
by Katherine Whatley
Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery has focused on high-quality sake and capitalized on Kanazawa's rich history and culture to stay relevant in a competitive market.
Food & Drink | KANPAI CULTURE Jul 13, 2019
Yamagata sake shines on the international stage
by Melinda Joe
On a recent balmy evening, representatives from nine sake breweries in Yamagata Prefecture, clad in understated kimono, bow modestly onstage amid the glow of pink and lavender lights. The bling-drenched ballroom also boasts gold-covered walls and a bold red carpet adorned with a dizzying ...
Food & Drink | TOKYO FOOD FILE Jul 6, 2019
Utsura Utsura: Food, sake and ambience worth the detour
by Robbie Swinnerton
Set back far enough from the sidewalk that most people give it barely a second look, this welcoming little izakaya tavern has the warm feel of a local watering hole, but it's near enough to the lights of Shibuya to reward a few minutes' ...
Food & Drink | Cultivating Craft Jul 6, 2019
For Shonan Beer, quality and locality drive success
by Jeremy Wilgus
Investment in the local Kanazawa Prefecture market and a focus on the quality of the beer are the keys to success for Shonan Beer.
Business Jul 5, 2019
Taiwan to cut tariffs on sake and Japan farm and fishery products as it looks to join TPP
Taiwan is set to lower its tariffs on sake from Japan to 20 percent, from the current 40 percent, as early as August. Taiwan will also cut its tariffs on such Japanese farm and fishery products as frozen shishamo smelt, scallop and yams, and processed ...