#Japan #Kobe #SAKE HUNDRED #GENGAI #Clear Inc.

Midterm Presentation of the GENGAI Project: Connecting Past Memories to Future Hopes

On July 18, a midterm presentation for the project 'Connecting the Thoughts of Aged Sake from Nada to the Future' was held at the Hyogo International Exchange Center. This initiative is part of a collaborative research effort that aims to link the 30 years since the Great Hanshin Earthquake with contemporary and future perspectives. The project is spearheaded by the Japanese sake brand SAKE HUNDRED, operated by Clear Inc., which is based in Shibuya, Tokyo. The brand is deeply engaged with this project alongside Kobe Shoin University and Kobe Gakuin University.

SAKE HUNDRED features a unique selection of vintage sake known as GENGAI, which has been exquisitely aged for 30 years. This sake carries a significant narrative that connects to the experiences of locals affected by the earthquake. The essence of GENGAI is deeply tied to the resilience of the people in Kobe and their rich traditions surrounding sake production.

During the midterm presentation, students from both universities shared their experiences and findings from their ongoing research. They conducted sensory evaluations of GENGAI, collected pre-interview data about the earthquake, and expressed their renewed enthusiasm towards preparing for the final presentation scheduled for January next year.

Fostering a Sense of Community and Preserving History

The project aims to enhance civic pride by articulating the message 'BE KOBE,' which emphasizes the human aspects of the city's resilience in the aftermath of the earthquake. Through collaborative efforts with local universities, SAKE HUNDRED seeks to preserve not only the memories of the past but also the narratives that can inspire future generations.

To achieve this, the team has engaged 35 students from both universities in a hands-on inquiry into what makes GENGAI significant in modern times. Their research includes visits to local sake breweries, market analysis, and interviews regarding the earthquake. During the midterm presentation, students reflected on their learning experiences and set future action plans.

Key Findings from Student Presentations

As the projects unfolded, it became clear that GENGAI holds a unique symbolic value as a 'light of hope,' representing not just the recovery from disaster but the revival of culture and community. Students identified two core values:
1. The longstanding 'value' that Sawano Tsuru, the brewery behind GENGAI, has cultivated over 300 years, visualized in the brewery's commitment to maintaining tradition even amidst modern pressures.
2. The 'value' of sharing small hopes, which resonated through their discussions of the other sake breweries affected by the earthquake and their paths to recovery.

The students argued that the efforts made by these local enterprises contribute significantly to community restoration and should be celebrated.

Insights from Interviews

Students also conducted interviews with community members, collecting a range of perspectives about the significance of GENGAI and the experiences linked to the earthquake. Key themes that emerged included:

• - The unique and irreplaceable qualities of wineries like Sawano Tsuru shaped by the resilience of the community.
• - The profound role of sake as a beacon of hope during tough times.
• - How the bonding of history and human effort has collectively contributed to the continued existence of GENGAI and other local brands post-disaster.

Looking Ahead

The collaborative research between Kobe Shoin University and Kobe Gakuin University aims to culminate in a final presentation for media and stakeholders in January 2026, marking 31 years since the earthquake. This event will highlight the ongoing relevance of the stories tied to GENGAI, and explore innovative ways to communicate these narratives to a broader audience.

GENGAI, produced by Sawano Tsuru, is more than just a vintage sake; it embodies the spirit of perseverance and hope, echoing the collective will of the community to thrive against the odds. This connection between historical significance and contemporary relevance reinforces the importance of maintaining cultural heritage and fostering a community spirit that celebrates newfound hope.

In summary, the GENGAI project stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, bridging the past with future aspirations through the lens of local tradition and global appreciation for fine sake.