#Japan #Tsunan #Tsunan Brewing #Snow Makeup #GO DOLCE

Tsunan Brewing's Innovative Approach to Sake Upcycling

In a remarkable initiative that combines tradition with sustainability, Tsunan Brewing Company based in Tsunan, Niigata, has developed a new cake called "Snow Makeup Castella" as part of its sake upcycling project. The company, led by CEO Kengo Suzuki, aims to transform sake lees, a byproduct of sake production, into a delicious sweet treat that celebrates the local landscape.

Utilizing the essence of the rich snowbound nature of Tsunan, the Snow Makeup Castella cake is finely crafted to resemble a snowy appearance. The cake incorporates sake lees into the batter, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat. A touch of the company's unique sake, "GO DOLCE," has been added to further enhance the flavors, providing a rich aroma and deep taste characteristic of Japan’s traditional beverages.

Visual Appeal and Ingredients

The cake also features a layer that evokes the snowy decor, made from a sake lees mixture, ensuring that it is not just delicious but also visually enticing. This artistic presentation reflects the beauty of winter in Tsunan, inviting customers to indulge not only in taste but also in the aesthetics of the product.

Tsunan Brewing has been embracing innovative practices that contribute positively to the environment. The Snow Makeup Castella is a pilot example of their ongoing "Sake Upcycling Project," which strives to recycle the leftover sake lees into enjoyable food items. By doing so, they offer a sustainable solution that aligns with the modern necessity for food systems to re-evaluate waste and promote culinary creativity.

Events and Future Plans

The company plans to showcase this delectable cake at various upcoming events, aiming to promote sustainable food culture through their innovative approaches. Each event will focus on engaging with the community while highlighting the virtues of upcycling food products.

The Snow Makeup Castella was developed at the "Sustainable Food Lab," located in the Toranomon area of Minato, Tokyo. This facility acts as a key venue for the Foodα Project, a transformative endeavor aimed at creating a future food city run by UR Urban Development Corporation, among others. It serves as a hub for start-ups and established firms to present cutting-edge sustainable food concepts and products.

Tsunan Brewing's Broader Vision

Tsunan Brewing continues to make strides towards integrating sustainability into its operations, focusing on the cultural significance of sake while innovating within the food industry. They are committed to merging fermentation culture with advanced technology, thus fostering a cycle of innovation within the region. They have plans to explore further applications of sake lees beyond traditional food, including the development of semiconductor materials and conductive materials, as well as research into sake-derived nanoparticles like "SAKESOME".

About Tsunan Brewing

Founded in a snowy region, Tsunan Brewing Company is a prominent sake manufacturer located in Tsunan, Niigata. The brewery uses natural spring water sourced from the surrounding mountains, rising over 2,000 meters high, for their production. The commitment to using locally-sourced rice varietals such as "Gohyakumangoku" and "Uonuma Koshihikari" ensures that the brewing process celebrates the harmony between nature and innovation. Their brand concept, “Brew for Future — Creating a Symbiotic Future,” reflects this philosophy.

Having recently won the Niigata Prefectural Governor's Award at the "Echigo Sake Brewing Technical Championship" in 2025, Tsunan Brewing is establishing itself as a leader not only in traditional sake production but also in sustainable practices. For more information, visit their official website: Tsunan Brewing Website.

Through its developments in upcycling, Tsunan Brewing is carving a unique niche in the market, blending cultural heritage with forward-thinking initiatives in sustainability.