A Culinary Journey with Takarazuka Star: Enjoy Elegant Pairings of Japanese Sake and Seasonal Dishes

In the heart of Waseda, located at the revered soba restaurant Shio-mi, a unique dining tradition continues to flourish. For over thirty years, the esteemed Odagiri Shokai Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to creating exquisite pairing dining experiences, combining meticulously crafted seasonal dishes with hand-selected Japanese sake, fostering a gastronomic adventure on the palate. The latest event featured the former Takarazuka Revue star, Masaki Rui, who enlivened the atmosphere with her melodious voice, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees. This event, part of the Ginteng Hanayo Club, invites food lovers to enjoy a close connection with cultural icons while indulging in gourmet Japanese dishes.

The Perfect Pairing

During the anticipated pairing dinner, attendees enjoyed a sumptuous seven-course meal skillfully paired with exceptional Japanese sake. Each dish was not just a meal; it was a celebration of seasonal ingredients, paired thoughtfully with seven carefully chosen varieties of sake selected by the company’s president, Takashi Odagiri. From the crispy fried conger eel served with the sparkling sake Ginteng Ciel, to the refreshing summer vegetables delicately dressed with jellied dashi and matched with the soft Junmai Daiginjo Ginteng Hanaryu, the audience was taken on an epicurean journey that engaged all senses.

The rotating pairings reflect the philosophy of seasonal dining; every event introduces new sake selections that resonate with the seasonal dishes. This dynamic approach keeps the offerings fresh and allows guests to explore the vast world of Japanese sake through a variety of gourmet dishes, every second Tuesday of the month.

Monthly Celebrations

Set as a monthly ritual, the Ginteng Hanayo Club dining experiences aspire to create an engaging platform for food enthusiasts eager to discover the art of sake pairing. The events planned for 2026 include themes such as matsutake mushroom steaming and crab celebrations, offering an extended repertoire for the guests to enjoy, culminating in a memorable dining experience with each seasonal menu.

President's Vision

President Takashi Odagiri articulately shares his vision with passion: “With our premium pairing series expanding to eight distinctive types, we are able to match an even broader range of culinary styles. The potential for new dining partnerships excites me. We now have sparkling sake options curated for French and Italian cuisines as well as those intricately designed to complement Japanese and sushi dishes.”

This commitment to excellence and evolution has positioned Ginteng as a pioneering brand, aligning itself with local breweries and emphasizing terroir in every bottle. The aim is not merely to produce sake, but to craft an exquisite culinary experience that resonates with the finest dining establishments worldwide, making Japanese sake a proud counterpart of fine wines.

Future Aspirations

Beyond pairings and dinners, Ginteng strives to engage food lovers globally with its exceptional sake, produced from domestically cultivated rice, nurturing the environment while supporting natural farming practices. With an increasing focus on organic rice like Yamada Nishiki and Aiyama, Ginteng is dedicated to elevating the standards of premium sake, continuously innovating their offerings.

Company Overview

Odagiri Shokai Co., Ltd. has established itself as a significant player in the world of Japanese culinary arts, situated at 2-5-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. Established in 2015, the brand continues to grow and evolve, offering distinctive experiences through its scrumptious dishes and proud selection of sake. For those interested in being part of this vibrant culinary journey, Ginteng invites you to explore their brand and events at their official site here and follow their journey on social media for the latest updates and invitations.

Join us in tasting and celebrating Japan's delightful pairings of seasonal culinary wonders and exquisite sake!