#Japan #Tokyo #Mirin #Kanda Toshimaya #Me

An Impressive Achievement for Kanda Toshimaya

Kanda Toshimaya, a revered traditional sake brewery in Tokyo, has made significant waves in the world of exotic beverages with its unique liqueur, 'Me'. At the recent ICC Summit KYOTO 2025 SAKE AWARD, 'Me' proudly secured the fourth place, a noteworthy achievement as it was the first-ever entry of mirin in this prestigious competition.

With a judging process distinct from standard competitions that rely heavily on aroma and taste alone, the ICC SAKE AWARD emphasizes the cultural significance and stories behind each beverage. This blend of tradition and innovation added an exhilarating layer to the tournament. Participants included not only prominent manufacturers but also esteemed sake breweries, showcasing a diverse range of categories including sake, shochu, and liqueurs. Many were repeat competitors, which contributed to this event being regarded as one of the most competitive in its history.

During the showcase, Kanda Toshimaya presented several modern cocktails inspired by traditional Japanese flavors, such as the Yanakige Highball, a contemporary twist on the oldest cocktail in Japan, and the Oh! Edo Fashioned, a reimagination of the world-famous Old Fashioned, cleverly using 'Me'. Additionally, they introduced U&Me, a drink that combines 'Me' with the award-winning Minabe Craft Umeshu, created in collaboration with other artisans.

The Yanakige cocktail, a straightforward blend of shochu and mirin at a ratio of 1:1, also known as Honnaoshi or Naoshi, dates back to the Edo era and represents one of the quintessential ways to enjoy mirin.

Reflecting on the competitive landscape, Kanda Toshimaya’s fourth-place finish was met with immense pride. It demonstrated that their foray as the first-ever mirin contender was recognized and valued in a field of increasingly assertive participants.

While the overall victory was just out of reach, the experience provided them with a fulfilling realization that mirin, traditionally seen merely as seasoning, can be embraced as a serious liqueur. This transformation reflects a promising new direction for the mirin culture, enhancing its potential and relevance in modern-day beverage contexts.

Kanda Toshimaya extends its heartfelt congratulations to Pukupuku Brewing, the overall winner from Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Their camaraderie with Cocktail Bar Raven’s Hiro Mitsu Ito and the support from numerous volunteers and staff contributed significantly to this momentous venture.

Going forward, Kanda Toshimaya aims to continue promoting the essence of 'Me' not only in Japan but across the globe. With plans to improve quality and ensure the cultural legacy of mirin, their commitment to innovation remains steadfast. They express gratitude to everyone who supported their journey and to those who contributed to such dynamic celebrations within the competition.

About 'Me'

'Me' is an innovative reinterpretation of traditional mirin, a beloved Japanese alcohol, transformed from its common perception as a mere seasoning into an inviting liqueur of both sophistication and depth. Since its establishment in 1596, Kanda Toshimaya has worked to uphold the legacy of fine sake in Tokyo, often referred to as the 'ancestor of izakaya'. During the Edo period, mirin was regarded as an upscale sweet rice wine, with notable documentation of its prominence at the 1867 Paris Exposition where it was presented to international attendees.

Over the years, mirin cemented its status as a household condiment, yet Kanda Toshimaya brings back its original allure with 'Me', which is crafted using traditional brewing methods without added sugars or artificial sweeteners, resulting in a naturally sweet flavor profile.

As a low-GI product, it promises to cater to modern health-conscious consumers, promoting wellness through the nutritional power of koji.

For more details on Kanda Toshimaya and its remarkable offerings, visit their websites: Corporate Site and Me Brand Site. Follow them on Instagram here.