A Unique Evening of Fine Dining and Entertainment: GINTEN and Takarazuka's Oshiho

A Unique Evening of Fine Dining and Entertainment

In a truly innovative fusion of culinary arts and entertainment, GINTEN, a brand by Odakiri Shoji Co., has been hosting exquisite pairing dinners for over a decade at the renowned handmade soba restaurant, Shio Mi in Waseda, Tokyo. This exclusive event combines meticulously crafted seasonal dishes with an impressive selection of sake, all while being serenaded by the enchanting voice of former Takarazuka star, Oshiho.

Celebrating Tradition and Modernity

The collaboration led by CEO Takashi Odakiri features a dining experience that not only showcases the culinary techniques of Shio Mi’s chef but also elevates the evening with Oshiho’s captivating performances. Participants are treated to a remarkable evening where traditional soba and Japanese sake meet modern flair, creating an enjoyable experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

This gathering, often touted as the closest dining experience to interact with a Takarazuka star, provides attendees with the opportunity to relish dishes paired with seven selected sake varieties, all while sitting at the same table as Oshiho herself. This intimate setting allows for a true appreciation of both the food and the entertainment, making each dinner a unique occasion.

Culinary Excellence with Seasonal Touch

During the July event, the menu featured a total of seven exquisite courses, each perfectly matched with a carefully chosen sake curated by Odakiri. Highlights included the corn puree soup, which showcased the sweet flavor of summer corn, matched beautifully with the soft texture of GINTEN Hanalong Dragon sake, crafted from natural Yamada Nishiki rice.

The menu also comprised seasonal vegetable dishes such as chilled summer vegetable ohitashi topped with delicious soy jelly, expertly paired with the special Eiko Yamabuki sake, aged in icy conditions for nine years. This dedication to quality and meticulous selection of ingredients sets GINTEN’s offerings apart.

Innovations in Sake Choices

As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed various pairings, from sparkling sake such as GINTEN Mizuryu and GINTEN Ciel, to a standout 10-year aged sake, Kame no O, prepared through a meticulous aging process by CEO Odakiri. These sake options are not just beverages; they are carefully crafted culinary companions that enhance the flavors of each dish, providing a remarkable gastronomic journey.

Each month, GINTEN organizes these unique events, ensuring that the menu and beverage selections evolve with the seasons and themes, allowing for a delightful experience that keeps sushi lovers and gourmet enthusiasts coming back.

Upcoming Events

These exclusive pairing dinners are held every second Tuesday of the month, with scheduled events into 2026 aimed at further expanding GINTEN’s offerings. Notably, the upcoming dining experiences on September 8, October 13, November 10, and December 8 promise more seasonal delights and exceptional sake pairings.

For those interested, registration is a seamless process via the GINTEN website.

A Vision for the Future

Under Odakiri’s guidance, GINTEN is set to expand its repertoire of premium pairing series to cater to a growing audience of culinary aficionados. The launch of high-quality sparkling sake specifically designed for French and Italian cuisine complements the existing offerings for sushi and traditional Japanese dishes, thus broadening the scope of culinary possibilities.

GINTEN remains firmly committed to working with local producers, adhering to the principle of terroir. With ongoing projects aiming to craft sake from naturally farmed rice, GINTEN embraces sustainability while working towards a future where Japanese sake enjoys a reputation on par with that of fine wines.

In conclusion, the GINTEN pairing dinner not only promises a wonderful evening of food, drink, and entertainment, but it also serves as a testament to the evolving possibilities within the world of Japanese sake and modern dining experiences.