#Japan #Tokyo #Chinese culture #Shaoxing Wine #Nanfang Express

A Fresh Take on Shaoxing Wine

Nanfang Express, operated by Okina Shoji Co., is embarking on an exciting journey to redefine Shaoxing wine in Japan through an immersive experience. With the launch of their "Shaoxing Wine Experience Value Enhancement Project," they aim to bring back traditions that have waned over the years, like buying by weight from traditional jars, a practice common in historical China.

In Japan, Shaoxing wine has often been perceived simplistically, mainly judged by its age rather than its variety or unique characteristics. The typical consumer has little opportunity to sample different types or understand the subtleties between brands. As a result, many people resort to selecting Shaoxing wine solely based on its association with Chinese cuisine, missing out on what makes this beverage truly enjoyable.

Embracing Tradition through Experience

In contrast, historical Chinese methods allowed consumers to appreciate the nuances of flavors and aromas by selecting their preferred quantities directly from jars showcased in restaurants. This practice made enjoying Shaoxing wine an interactive experience. Unfortunately, this practice is becoming increasingly rare, even in its native land. Nanfang Express seeks to reintroduce this engaging approach in Japan, capitalizing on the visual and sensory aspects of wine selection.

At Nanfang Express, customers will find jars artfully displayed, each labeled with distinct characteristics of the Shaoxing wines available. Guests can select their desired quantity, either 250 grams or 500 grams, and choose between enjoying it at room temperature or warmed. This initiative is not just about adding a new item to the menu; it represents a fundamental redefinition of Shaoxing wine as an option, catering to a broader audience.

Cultural Significance of Shaoxing Wine

Moreover, Nanfang Express has a long-standing tradition of serving southern Chinese cuisine, highlighting the importance of cultural transmission through the foods and drinks they offer. This project marks an important step toward enhancing the appreciation of Shaoxing wine, and the establishment plans to host events to further educate the public and industry about this cultural gem.

Expert Insights for a Complete Experience

In collaboration with renowned author and expert on Chinese wines, Yoshifumi Kadokura, Nanfang Express is further enhancing its offerings. Kadokura will not only provide recommendations for selecting Shaoxing wine but also suggest pairings with various dishes. Six different kinds of Shaoxing wines will be available for weight-based purchase, alongside specially curated selections from other Chinese wines to pair beautifully with the restaurant's cuisine. This setup mimics a train service experience, with a cart delivering the selections to guests at their tables.

The Concept of Nanfang Express

Nanfang Express itself is modeled after a fictional railway company known as East Asia Railways, which operates a train journey from Shanghai to Kunming in Yunnan Province, covering approximately 2700 kilometers. Along this route, passengers can experience local home-style cuisines unique to various regions. Unlike typical restaurants, Nanfang Express specializes in home-cooked dishes that aren't usually available in the mainstream dining scene, providing a snapshot of diverse cultures reflected through their food.

Guests can indulge in the culinary traditions steeped in history, enriched by tasting Shaoxing wine in an exploratory setting. The entire dining experience at Nanfang Express invites patrons to immerse themselves in the flavors and stories of southern Chinese culinary culture, ensuring an unforgettable moment with every visit.

Visit Nanfang Express to explore this new concept:

• - Address: 1-3-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (B1F YKB Shinjuku Gyoen)
• - Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 2 of Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station on the Marunouchi Line
• - Hours: Mon-Fri (Lunch) 11:00 - 15:15, (Dinner) 17:00 - 23:00; Sat, Sun, Holidays 11:30 - 22:00
• - Closed: No regular holidays (will observe during year-end and new year)