#Japan #HAPPO-EN #Nagai City #Amazake Making

Sweet Experiences Await: Traditional Amazake Making at the Nagai Snow Lantern Festival

On February 7, 2026, the picturesque Nagai Snow Lantern Festival will be host to an exciting event celebrating local traditions and flavors—the Amazake making experience. Produced by Happo-En and its group company focused on content production, the festival aims to enhance community engagement and showcase the elements that make Nagai City a unique destination.

A Partnership for Progress

Happo-En, a prominent producer based in Tokyo, has established a partnership agreement with Nagai City since July 2022. Together, they strive to elevate the city's image and encourage tourism by promoting a variety of local experiences centered around food and culture. This collaboration taps into the rich history and high-quality agricultural products of Nagai City, known for its beautiful landscapes and pristine water sources.

The initial program of this ongoing partnership will be the Amazake making workshops, held at the historic Nagai Elementary School campus. Participants will dive into the region's famed sake-making culture by using local rice and ingredients to create two types of Amazake: the traditional rice malt and a fruit-infused variant.

The Nagai Snow Lantern Festival Impact

The Nagai Snow Lantern Festival dazzles visitors with illuminated snow lanterns crafted by community members, creating a magical winter atmosphere. Alongside the Amazake making workshops, attendees can enjoy various food stalls and cultural events, exploring the culinary delights and traditions of Nagai City.

The objectives of creating the Amazake experience include promoting the traditional sake brewing culture and engaging with local produce, such as Nagai's premium rice and seasonal fruits. This event aims not only to foster a greater appreciation for these products but also to build a vibrant community spirit.

Details of the Amazake Making Workshops

The Amazake making experience is structured as follows:

Rice Malt Amazake Making

Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Fee: 1,000 JPY (including one rice malt Amazake set and two fruit Amazakes)
Location: Nagai Elementary School, 5-3 Mamanoue, Nagai City, Yamagata
Participants will have a hands-on experience with Nagai's rice and Yamagata rice malt to create their own rice malt Amazake. Families are encouraged to join, as the process is non-alcoholic and suitable for children.

Fruit Amazake Making

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (last admission 7:30 PM)
* Fee: 300 JPY
In this session, participants will choose from five different local fruit options to personalize their fruit Amazake, combining flavors from Nagai City produce such as black beans, pears, apples, and strawberries.

Looking Ahead: Continued Collaborations

Following the Amazake workshops, Happo-En and Nagai City are planning a calendar of events aimed at enhancing community collaboration and promoting the city's unique offerings. Upcoming initiatives include a city fair at the Takanawa Gateway City in late February 2026 and a unique “Sake Train” experience on March 20, where participants can savor local sake paired with original bento boxes.

These initiatives, among others, ensure the ongoing vitality of Nagai City while creating a platform for residents and visitors to fully explore and enjoy the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Conclusion

Join us at the Nagai Snow Lantern Festival, where you can not only take part in creating delicious Amazake but also immerse yourself in a community dedicated to preserving and celebrating its unique heritage. Experience the warmth of local traditions and be a part of the ongoing story of Nagai City—your sweet memories await!