#Japan #Tokyo #haccoba #Richie Hawtin #SPARK 26

A Unique Collaboration: Richie Hawtin x haccoba

The world-renowned techno artist Richie Hawtin has joined forces with haccoba, a craft sake brewery based in Fukushima, to create an exclusive sake named "SPARK 26." This special brew will be unveiled at the WOMB club in Shibuya, Tokyo, during the venue's 26th-anniversary party on April 24, 2026.

Background: A Pioneer in Sake Crafting

Richie Hawtin, known for his innovation, has been instrumental in introducing various sakes globally. At the same time, haccoba embodies a philosophy of breaking free from traditional sake-making constraints. Following the success of the previous year’s collaboration between Richie Hawtin, WOMB, and a sake brewery, haccoba has taken the lead this year.

Rooted in traditional sake brewing methods but unconfined by genre boundaries, haccoba aims to produce not just a souvenir but a sake that resonates with the pulsating energy of the dance floor. With matched direction from Hawtin, the sake embodies more than just taste; it is a celebration of sound and movement.

Product Spotlight: SPARK 26

"SPARK 26" is a refreshing and complex sparkling sake that showcases haccoba's commitment to local ingredients. Using the distillation byproduct of a local craft gin distillery, naturadistill, haccoba blends this with rice for fermentation.

Aromas of Spring

Utilizing the distillation byproduct from the seasonal gin "Baikahamitsu,“ this sake brings forth a symphony of botanical aromas. The infusion of flavors includes notes from juniper berries, plum blossoms, mandarin oranges, and strawberries—a true representation of spring's arrival.

Boundary-Crossing Flavor

By merging gin elements into the fermentation of rice and koji, SPARK 26 is not only a tribute to Hawtin's musical style but also a pioneering product that transcends the conventional sake experience.

The Unveiling: WOMB 26TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

The upcoming event will mark a significant milestone as Richie Hawtin returns to WOMB’s main floor.

SAKE LOUNGE Experience

A dedicated SAKE LOUNGE will be set up on the first floor, enabling guests to indulge in SPARK 26 while enjoying an immersive musical environment. This new concept symbolizes the intertwining of dance music culture and the rich tradition of fermentation from Fukushima, illustrating how these seemingly distant cultures can unite in a single bottle.

Event Details

• - Date: April 24, 2026
• - Time: 23:00 - 04:30
• - Performers:

- 2F: Richie Hawtin, DJ SODEYAMA, OCCA, Visual: Manami Sakamoto, Lighting: Saito
- 4F: BOBBY, Satoshi Otsuki, Levolant
- 1F SAKE LOUNGE: YAMA, WORD OF MOUTH, CHANAZ

About haccoba

Founded in February 2021 in the Fukushima town of Odaka, which saw a brief population drop to zero due to the nuclear disaster, haccoba has since expanded operations to Namie. It prioritizes a philosophy of freedom in sake brewing, modernizing historic doburoku culture and recipes. With plans for the YoiYoi festival in 2024, initiated alongside Gotch from Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and collaborations with JR East for cultural initiatives, haccoba is committed to revitalizing autonomous community culture and the art of sake brewing.

• - Company Name: haccoba
• - CEO: Taisuke Sato
• - Head Office: 2-50-6 Tamachi, Odaka, Minamisoma, Fukushima
• - Links: haccoba's Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LINE | Note

This groundbreaking collaboration is set to redefine the sake experience and celebrates the unique fusion of global music culture with traditional Japanese craftsmanship.