#Japan #Tokyo #Sake #Dashi Corporation #Katsuo-bushi

A Deep Dive into the Future of Katsuo-bushi and Sake

On October 31, 2025, at 1:30 PM, an exciting talk event titled "The Future of Katsuo-bushi and Sake" will be held at the World Kita-Aoyama Building in Tokyo's Minato Ward. Under the spotlight will be Tsutomu Mizuno, the CEO of Dashi Corporation, who will share insights into the challenges and opportunities in branding Katsuo-bushi (dried bonito flakes) and the new product, "Dashi-dori". This event is a part of the Makurazaki Premium Market, running from October 30 to November 2, 2025.

The event invites participants to delve into the rich cultural tapestry woven around these traditional Japanese foods, with a special focus on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage that highlights Japanese cuisine and traditional sake brewing. The conversation aims to elevate the local food culture of Makurazaki City, which boasts unique products such as Katsuo-bushi and sake.

Mizuno will be joined by speakers including the Mayor of Makurazaki, Masanori Maeda, the representative from the Makurazaki Seafood Processing Union, Nobuya Matoba, and Yoshihisa Yoshimoto, President of Satsuma Shuzo Co., Ltd. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on the future potential and cultural significance of Katsuo-bushi and sake, aligning their discussions with the event's themes.

The focus for Dashi Corporation has been clear: to elevate Katsuo-bushi into a globally recognized brand that reflects its unique terroir and craftsmanship, much like fine wine. The company has been developing exciting new product formats, including aromatic Dashi-dori, which can be enjoyed in a convenient drip bag format, introducing the concept of sipping dashi broth to the masses. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, this innovation not only brings traditional Japanese flavors to a modern audience but also aims to redefine dashi culture internationally.

Details of the Talk Event:

• - Theme: The Future of Katsuo-bushi and Sake
• - Date & Time: October 31, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
• - Location: World Kita-Aoyama Building, 3-5-10 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Access: A 2-minute walk from Omotesando Station (Exit A3)
• - Event Page: Makurazaki City Official Website

The talk will be streamed live on the official YouTube channel of Makurazaki City, allowing a broader audience to engage in this important dialogue about culinary heritage. The following link will provide access to the live stream and later recordings: YouTube Channel.

Background on Tsutomu Mizuno

Tsutomu Mizuno, the visionary leader behind Dashi Corporation, was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1977. After completing his university education, he began his career in product development and international business with a leading food manufacturer. Mizuno's passion for defining authentic Japanese food culture on a global scale was ignited during his time in Shanghai from 2010 to 2015. In 2016, he joined Dashi Corporation (formerly Izumi Foods Corporation) as part of a business succession plan and was appointed CEO in 2020. Under his leadership, the company continues to innovate and champion the authentic flavors of Japan, particularly through its commitment to high-quality dashi products.

The Makurazaki Premium Market

The Makurazaki Premium Market is set to showcase the best of local specialties:

• - Event Name: Makurazaki Premium Market
• - Date: October 30 to November 2, 2025
• - Operating Hours:

- October 30: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- October 31: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- November 1: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- November 2: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• - Venue: World Kita-Aoyama Building, 3-5-10 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - Access: A 2-minute walk from Omotesando Station
• - Activities: Sale and tasting of Katsuo-bushi and sake, hands-on experience in Katsuo-bushi shaving, workshops, and food trucks featuring local cuisine.
• - Organizer: The Southern Satsuma Region Local Industry Promotion Center and Makurazaki City.

Dashi Corporation is committed to excellence in developing and marketing natural seasonings, particularly dashi, alongside traditional partners in Makurazaki. Established in 1974, the company embodies half a century of expertise to spread the word about dashi globally while ensuring safety and quality.

For more information about Dashi Corporation, check their website: Dashi Corporation. If you have media inquiries, please contact Ayumi Shinada at 03-5759-8557 or by email at [email protected].