A Unique Culinary Experience: GINTEN's Sake Pairing with Ex-Takarazuka Star in Kobe

The GINTEN brand, established by Odagiri Shoji Co., has been creating exquisite sake for eight years. This year, they hosted an exceptional sake pairing event in Kobe, combining the elegance of high-end French cuisine with the rich flavors of Japanese sake.

The Event: A Fusion of Traditions

In 2026, GINTEN organized four rice-planting experiences in Hyogo Prefecture, focusing on the organic cultivation of the Yamada Nishiki rice variety. Following these unique experiences, attendees migrated to Sannomiya, Kobe, where they enjoyed a two-part culinary event at the renowned Kitano Club restaurant. The second event featured Yuran Ikki, a former Takarazuka Revue star, who added an entertaining flair to the evening with her captivating performances. Attendees had the unique opportunity to dine at the same table as Yuran Ikki, enjoying an evening that blended exquisite cuisine with delightful entertainment.

Highlighted Pairings

The event showcased stellar pairings, highlighting some of GINTEN's finest sake:

- Smoked Bonito and Colorful Vegetables: A dish featuring bonito that was smoked over straw and served with a sauce made from smoked paprika and red bell pepper, paired with the award-winning GINTEN Ciel. This sake claimed the gold medal in the sparkling category at the 2026 KuraMaster.
- Roasted Duck: A richly flavored duck accompanied by GINTEN Ryuu-O, a sake renowned for its sweetness and umami.

Why Sake Works

Sake is exceptionally compatible with many ingredients commonly found in high-end French and Italian cuisines. Unlike the usual transition from champagne to wine, GINTEN emphasizes the flavors that sake can enhance, especially in seafood, vegetables, and other delicate dishes. The brand regularly hosts pairing events twice a month, aimed at attracting a new generation of fans who appreciate gourmet experiences.

Insights from the CEO

Takahiro Odagiri, the President of Odagiri Shoji, proudly commented:

“Our premium pairing series has expanded to eight different varieties, catering to a wide range of culinary styles. We are excited about the potential for more restaurants to undertake tripling initiatives. We now have sparkling sake for both French/Italian dishes and for sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine.”

Future Developments for GINTEN

GINTEN is dedicated to collaborating with local breweries to produce sake that complements their food pairings. The brand's vision is to offer sake that resonates with global culinary trends while achieving recognition among chefs of various cuisines, elevating sake’s status to rival fine wines.
With the recent introduction of GINTEN Ciel and GINTEN Platinum, GINTEN has widened its offerings to include sparkling options suitable for both Japanese and Western cuisines, making significant strides towards their goal of pairing sake with full-course meals. Currently, GINTEN's project to produce sake from naturally cultivated rice is catching the attention of gourmands worldwide, with three unique varieties produced from pesticide-free, chemical fertilizer-free rice set to launch in the coming months.