Tsunami Brewery Showcases Award-Winning 'Tsunami White' at Nationwide Sake Tasting Event

Tsunami Brewery, located in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture, participated in the 2025 Nationwide Sake New Brew Awards Public Tasting event on July 12, 2025, held at Ikebukuro's Sunshine City. Here, they proudly presented their award-winning sake, 'Tsunami White', which received the gold medal at this prestigious competition.

The Public Tasting Event of the Nationwide Sake New Brew Awards is hosted by the Central Association of Sake Brewers, comprising over 1,600 sake breweries from across Japan. It features approximately 400 award-winning sake selections, providing a unique opportunity for sake enthusiasts. This year, the event garnered heightened attention as it coincided with the first anniversary of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage registration for traditional sake brewing. Tickets sold out quickly, with more than 1,221 attendees, including sake fans, college students, and international visitors, who experienced the diversity of Japanese sake through their senses.

Tsunami Brewery was thrilled to present 'Tsunami White' as an award-winning sake, allowing them to receive invaluable feedback directly from numerous participants. The sake garnered particular interest since it uniquely utilizes the local Niigata rice, 'Gohyaku Mangoku,' setting it apart from the widely used Yamada Nishiki, which predominates in the award-winning categories. This acknowledgment is credited to the collaborative efforts of their head brewer, Takizawa, the brewery staff, and the dedicated local farmers who cultivate Gohyaku Mangoku meticulously. This experience reinforced the brewery's appreciation for their craft and community ties.

At the event, Tsunami Brewery engaged in direct communication with sake enthusiasts and industry professionals from other prefectures, gaining genuine feedback through the tasting experience. This interaction provided valuable insights to refine their brewing process and enhance the unique characteristics of Tsunan's sake further.

The Nationwide Sake New Brew Awards Public Tasting is more than just a tasting event; it features a 'First-Time Tasting Corner' and traditional brewing seminars, as well as panel exhibitions, allowing attendees to explore the depth of Japanese sake culture. The expansion of knowledge, particularly among younger generations and overseas visitors, indicates a growing appreciation for Japan's rich sake heritage.

As Tsunami Brewery moves forward, they will continue to deepen collaborations with various unique sake breweries nationwide while crafting sake that resonates with the community's essence. Their goal is to deliver beloved Japanese sake to audiences all over the country, remaining committed to fostering an enduring connection between tradition and innovation. Tsunami Brewery embodies the principle of 'Brew for Future,' reflecting their vision of coexistence with nature and innovation in the world of sake brewing. For more details, visit Tsunami Brewery's website.