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Haccoba Opening a New Brewery in Otemachi

In an exciting development for Japan's food and beverage scene, the haccoba brewery is set to commence operations in September 2026. Located on the second floor of the Otemachi Gate Building, this new brewery will be a part of a support facility for agriculture and food. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd. and haccoba, aiming to promote the rich tapestry of Japanese food culture while introducing an innovative beverage category known as 'Craft Sake.'

The Otemachi Gate Building sits adjacent to the historic Nihonbashi River, a significant site since the Edo period, where various ingredients were transported. This area, renowned for its food culture, will now become the birthplace of a new type of sake that incorporates fruits and herbs, representing a fusion of traditional brewing techniques and modern tastes.

The haccoba brewery envisions more than just sake production; it aims to create new value by fostering connections between regional producers and urban consumers. Through the 'Megurume Project,' initiatives will be organized to deepen understanding between local farmers, processers, and city dwellers, ultimately enriching the food culture. This will include events designed for collaboration and creativity among different players in the agricultural and food industries, along with partnerships with local businesses and restaurants in the Daimaru-Yu area.

Since the inception of the Megurume Project, haccoba has actively participated in various programs, demonstrating its commitment to community collaboration and the development of unique products by co-creating with other stakeholders. The brewery is dedicated to continue this collaborative spirit, driving innovation and value creation.

What to Expect at the Haccoba Brewery

The haccoba brewery will cover approximately 72.6 square meters and serve functions as both a restaurant and a brewing site. Set to contribute significantly to the promotion of Japanese sake culture, it will also function as a lab and showroom for the Megurume Project. Visitors can engage in brewing experiences while learning about the new genre of sake, Craft Sake.

Based in Fukushima, haccoba has built a reputation since its establishment in February 2021 in the town of Odaka, which faced a temporary population drop due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. In July 2023, they expanded operations to the neighboring town of Namie, advocating for freedom in brewing by creatively embodying traditional 'doburoku' culture. With plans to initiate a new local festival, YoiYoi, in collaboration with Gotch from Asian Kung-Fu Generation and transforming irrelevant areas into vibrant marketplaces, haccoba aspires to rejuvenate local culture through its operations.

This initiative represents a significant challenge for haccoba, marking a bold venture into a metropolitan space with active support from the community. Funding has been secured through collaborative financing from local credit unions and banks, allowing the brewery’s vision to materialize.

Through this venture, the team at haccoba is committed to sharing the beauty of Fukushima's food culture with the world, driven by a resilient spirit that has endured since the aftermath of the disaster. By showcasing craft sake and engaging in collaboration, the brewery intends to create lasting impacts on Japan's food landscape and cultivate a sense of community among its diverse contributors.

In summary, the haccoba brewery at the Otemachi Gate Building is not just about producing sake; it is a platform for cultivating connections, creativity, and cultural exchange, fully embracing the spirit of collaboration that is essential to the progression of Japan’s food industry.