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Tsunan Brewery's Approach to Innovation in Sake Production

On May 24, 2025, Tsunan Brewery's CEO, Kengo Suzuki, took center stage as a guest lecturer at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology's Graduate School of Engineering. The lecture was part of the "Entrepreneurship" course designed for working professionals and students advancing directly from undergraduate studies. The session aimed to bridge the gap between industry and academia by sharing real-world insights on startups and business innovations.

The Vision of Tsunan Brewery

Suzuki shared his multifaceted background, having earned doctoral degrees in both agricultural and medical sciences, and discussed his initiatives as the head of Tsunan Brewery. The topic of his lecture focused on the revitalization and growth of existing businesses by leveraging scientific knowledge. He presented how Tsunan Brewery, situated in a prominent snow-covered region of Japan, has overcome the challenges of their environment with innovative solutions.

The brewery has effectively utilized the unique characteristics of its location, such as low-temperature aging, microbial control, and stable fermentation environments through a snow-cave brewing method, creating new value at the intersection of nature and technology.

The Smart Brewing Initiative

Another focal point of the lecture was Tsunan Brewery's commitment to integrating AI technology with fermentation science, introducing a concept dubbed "Smart Brewing." This innovative approach involves the development of AI models that quantitatively analyze the aroma and taste of sake, significantly enhancing quality control processes. This aspect of the lecture captivated the students, as it represents a modern application of technology in traditional industries.

Additionally, Suzuki highlighted their use of generative AI to comprehensively reconstruct management resources and manufacturing processes, providing a visionary perspective on the future of sake production.

Merging Sake and Health

The integration of health and sake was another key topic in Suzuki's lecture. He discussed ongoing research into the health benefits of specific components found in sake, such as α-EG (alpha-ethylglucoside), ergothioneine, and agmatine, which are linked to aging suppression and health improvement. This research is not only enhancing beverage offerings but also leading to the development of supplements and new product lines. Furthermore, Suzuki introduced the "Lunar Brewery" project, which aims to explore the applications of fermentation technology in space environments, ultimately enriching the narrative around sake.

Collaboration and Branding Strategies

As Tsunan Brewery continues to develop, Suzuki emphasized the importance of collaboration with local rice farmers, re-evaluating branding strategies, and enhancing international expansion efforts. He provided insights into high-value products such as the "GO GRANDCLASS," made entirely from Uonuma Koshihikari rice, and their sparkling sake series, both of which have garnered significant acclaim in domestic and global markets.

The Future of Craftsmanship

In closing, Suzuki underscored the necessity of having professionals who possess both scientific expertise and a business mindset as key players in revitalizing local industries and traditional crafts. He motivated future innovators by sharing the exciting potential of launching technology ventures that connect local and global markets. The lecture also included an announcement that Tsunan Brewery had received the Niigata Prefectural Governor's Award (1st place) at the "Echigo-ryu Sake Brewing Technology Championship" in the 2025 sake brewing year, cementing their status as a leader in quality sake production.

Tsunan Brewery remains dedicated to innovation that merges regional resources with scientific technology, contributing to new manufacturing methods and regional revitalization moving forward.

About Tsunan Brewery

Tsunan Brewery is located in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture, within one of Japan's premier snowy regions. Utilizing pure spring water sourced from surrounding mountains, the brewery's sake production employs local rice varieties such as "Gohyakkokumai" and "Uonuma Koshihikari," reflecting a commitment to coexisting with nature while embracing innovation. The brand's guiding philosophy, "Brew for Future - Crafting a future that coexists," illustrates their forward-thinking approach. In 2025, Tsunan Brewery achieved the prestigious Niigata Prefectural Governor's Award for excellence in brewing techniques.

For more information, visit Tsunan Brewery's website.