Unveiling Limited Edition Sake-Drinking Vessels at Tokyo Station's Unique Gacha Event
From September 15 to 23, 2026, Tokyo Station will host a unique event named JRE Local Hub Tanba-Sanjo POPUP & SHOWCASE at the basement event space known as Square Zero. Organized by FARM8 from Niigata, this year marks the fourth consecutive participation in this popular annual showcase.
One of the standout features of this event is the Gacha PonPon Sake, a fun-filled lottery machine that offers participants a chance to win beautifully crafted sake-drinking vessels along with a premium selection of local Niigata sake. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Dots and Lines, connects local craftsmanship from Sanjo and Tsubame in Niigata with the world of sake, providing participants with a memorable experience.
The unique appeal of this Gacha lies in its exclusive design, showcasing one-of-a-kind vessels adorned with New Shinkansen prints, making them non-purchasable anywhere else. Each gacha turn rewards players not only with a sake-drinking vessel made from various materials including porcelain, stainless steel, and hammered copper, but also with a 100ml pouch of sake from one of over 40 participating local breweries in Niigata.
This year, unlike past events, the sake pouch doesn’t disclose the brand name until you scan the QR code included. This added layer of suspense allows participants to either check their winnings on the spot or preserve the surprise for a later tasting. This model, borrowed from the existing SAKEPOST service that partners with around 100 sake breweries, introduces a delightful twist to the exploration of Japan’s extensive sake offerings.
The true beauty of this Gacha experience is that it removes the often overwhelming choice associated with selecting sake. In a country with over 80 sake breweries in Niigata alone, and upwards of 1000 nationally, it’s easy for newcomers to feel lost. By making it a game of chance, participants receive sake from lesser-known breweries which they might not have selected independently. This encourages exploration and perhaps a newfound appreciation for previously untried options.
FARM8's representative, Atsushi Kabasawa, emphasizes that the goal is simple: if a participant leaves with the name of an unfamiliar brewery in mind, that's a success. The event's popularity soared last year, often resulting in lines stretching down the street as eager sake enthusiasts sought their chance to participate.
Additionally, visitors can experience a special version of the Sake Omikuji Gacha, a project synonymous with the LIS Sedataya store in Nagaoka, where participants can draw sake along with an omikuji fortune for a whimsical take on traditional Japanese culture, an experience only available during this annual event.
- September 16 (Wednesday) to 22 (Tuesday): 10:00 – 20:00
- September 23 (Wednesday): 11:00 – 19:00
Note: Timing is subject to change based on circumstances.
Based in Nagaoka, Niigata, FARM8 focuses on product and service development utilizing local resources. Their offerings include the SAKEPOST subscription service, a refreshing sake cocktail base called Ponshu Grill, and a fermented beverage named Kyo-Gurt. Additionally, there is a direct-operated store called LIS Sedataya in the Setaya area. FARM8 Website
FERMENT8, working out of Nagaoka, Niigata, is a group company of FARM8 that specializes in planning and selling sake-related products. They hold a license for online alcohol retail and will manage the alcohol sales for this event. FERMENT8 Website
This unique collaboration showcases the culinary richness and craftsmanship of Japan, inviting everyone to enjoy a blend of culture, tradition, and modern creativity.
One of the standout features of this event is the Gacha PonPon Sake, a fun-filled lottery machine that offers participants a chance to win beautifully crafted sake-drinking vessels along with a premium selection of local Niigata sake. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Dots and Lines, connects local craftsmanship from Sanjo and Tsubame in Niigata with the world of sake, providing participants with a memorable experience.
The unique appeal of this Gacha lies in its exclusive design, showcasing one-of-a-kind vessels adorned with New Shinkansen prints, making them non-purchasable anywhere else. Each gacha turn rewards players not only with a sake-drinking vessel made from various materials including porcelain, stainless steel, and hammered copper, but also with a 100ml pouch of sake from one of over 40 participating local breweries in Niigata.
This year, unlike past events, the sake pouch doesn’t disclose the brand name until you scan the QR code included. This added layer of suspense allows participants to either check their winnings on the spot or preserve the surprise for a later tasting. This model, borrowed from the existing SAKEPOST service that partners with around 100 sake breweries, introduces a delightful twist to the exploration of Japan’s extensive sake offerings.
The true beauty of this Gacha experience is that it removes the often overwhelming choice associated with selecting sake. In a country with over 80 sake breweries in Niigata alone, and upwards of 1000 nationally, it’s easy for newcomers to feel lost. By making it a game of chance, participants receive sake from lesser-known breweries which they might not have selected independently. This encourages exploration and perhaps a newfound appreciation for previously untried options.
FARM8's representative, Atsushi Kabasawa, emphasizes that the goal is simple: if a participant leaves with the name of an unfamiliar brewery in mind, that's a success. The event's popularity soared last year, often resulting in lines stretching down the street as eager sake enthusiasts sought their chance to participate.
Additionally, visitors can experience a special version of the Sake Omikuji Gacha, a project synonymous with the LIS Sedataya store in Nagaoka, where participants can draw sake along with an omikuji fortune for a whimsical take on traditional Japanese culture, an experience only available during this annual event.
Event Details
- - Event Name: JRE Local Hub Tanba-Sanjo POPUP & SHOWCASE at Tokyo Station
- - Dates: September 15 (Tuesday) to September 23 (Wednesday), 2026
- - Hours:
- September 16 (Wednesday) to 22 (Tuesday): 10:00 – 20:00
- September 23 (Wednesday): 11:00 – 19:00
Note: Timing is subject to change based on circumstances.
- - Venue: JR Tokyo Station, Basement Level 1, Event Space Square Zero
- - Organizers: East Japan Railway Company, Dots and Lines Co., Sanjo City
- - Sake Sales: FERMENT8 Co., Ltd.
About FARM8
Based in Nagaoka, Niigata, FARM8 focuses on product and service development utilizing local resources. Their offerings include the SAKEPOST subscription service, a refreshing sake cocktail base called Ponshu Grill, and a fermented beverage named Kyo-Gurt. Additionally, there is a direct-operated store called LIS Sedataya in the Setaya area. FARM8 Website
About FERMENT8
FERMENT8, working out of Nagaoka, Niigata, is a group company of FARM8 that specializes in planning and selling sake-related products. They hold a license for online alcohol retail and will manage the alcohol sales for this event. FERMENT8 Website
This unique collaboration showcases the culinary richness and craftsmanship of Japan, inviting everyone to enjoy a blend of culture, tradition, and modern creativity.
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