#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Sake #Tsunan Brewery #Traditional Brewing

Tsunan Brewery and the Traditional Sake Brewing Symposium at the University of Tokyo

On June 8, 2025, Tsunan Brewery participated in the “Traditional Sake Brewing Symposium at the University of Tokyo,” held at the Ito International Research Center on the Hongo Campus. This event was co-hosted by the “University of Tokyo Brewery Association,” consisting of 17 sake breweries run by alumni and affiliates of the university, and the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Tokyo University. A total of 16 sake breweries gathered from across Japan to share their insights and experiences in sake brewing.

Overview of the Symposium

The symposium was divided into two main parts. The first segment focused on the theme of “Sake Brewing and Koji Mold.” Esteemed speakers included Kenjiro Moji, a sake samurai and former UNESCO ambassador, Professor Katsuhiko Kitamura, the president of the Japan Brewery Association, and Junichi Maruyama, a professor at Tokyo University. They delivered keynote lectures followed by a panel discussion involving renowned sake brewers, engaging in lively debates about their backgrounds in sake production and their perspectives on the future of the industry.

During the first part, the dialogues also emphasized combining traditional methods with modern knowledge, highlighting the cultural significance of sake in Japan.

Sake Tasting Event

The second part of the symposium featured a “Sake Tasting Event with 16 Breweries,” where attendees had the opportunity to sample various types of sake from each participating brewery. This interactive experience allowed visitors to converse with brewers and gain deep insights into the philosophy and dedication behind each unique brew. Tsunan Brewery showcased its signature brews crafted from the natural bounty of Niigata's abundant snowfall. They shared their meticulous process involving mountain spring water, rice, yeast, and fermentation management.

Among the showcased products were:

• - 'GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition' - a brand aged at low temperatures using Uonuma Koshihikari rice.
• - 'Tsunan White Junmai Daiginjo' - a gold award winner at the KuraMaster 2024 competition.
• - 'GO LUNAR' - a bold choice using Uonuma Koshihikari rice and Euglena as a fermentation aid, aged in wine barrels.

This symposium served as an important platform for connecting tradition with contemporary knowledge, opening up wider possibilities and recognition for Japanese sake. It was an invaluable experience for Tsunan Brewery, contributing to its ongoing dedication to sake brewing along with advancements in education and research collaborations.

Conclusion

The “16 Brewery Sake Tasting Event” displayed the artistry and passion inherent in each participating sake brewery. Tsunan Brewery's commitment today echoes its ongoing legacy. Beyond just producing sake, they embody a philosophy of brewing for a future that champions symbiosis with nature, branding themselves under the concept of “Brew for Future.”

For more about Tsunan Brewery, visit Tsunan Sake.