#Japan #Hitachiomiya #Nemoto Brewery #Kaséi #Yuka Kokoma

Yuka Kokoma: A New Chapter for Nemoto Sake Brewery

In a significant move for the renowned Nemoto Sake Brewery, established in 1603, Yuka Kokoma has recently been appointed as its new CEO. This decision marks a turning point for the brewery, which has been a staple in Ibaraki Prefecture for over 423 years. Under Kokoma's leadership, the brewery aims to transform its traditional offerings into innovative brands, focusing on a new premium liqueur called "Kaséi."

Kokoma, a local actress who recently joined the brewery as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) in December, is now set to spearhead the company’s strategic direction. With a fresh perspective from outside the industry, she will tackle the challenges that local sake breweries face in delivering their exceptional products to contemporary audiences. Her expertise in creative communication will play a crucial role in advancing the brand's reach, both domestically and internationally.

The Artistic Vision Behind Liquor

The flagship product under Kokoma’s guidance is "Kaséi," a premium craft liqueur made from Kishu Nankou plums. This product embodies the brewery's philosophy of evolving traditional Japanese umeshu into an adult-focused liqueur fit for upscale bars and global markets. Envisioned as a bold and complex spirit, Kaséi boasts a rich flavor profile that balances sweetness, acidity, and aroma, derived from a meticulous juicing process of 15 plums.

Kokoma's commitment to quality has garnered praise from industry experts, noting its refreshing aftertaste that mirrors the character of umeboshi—a traditional pickled plum. This kind of quality assurance places the product firmly on the map among both enthusiasts and newcomers.

Launching Direct Sales Channels

In a bid to build a direct relationship with consumers, Nemoto Sake Brewery launched its official online store in December. This e-commerce venture allows the brewery to share its philosophy directly with customers, enhancing the brand's accessibility. As a D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) initiative, it will help expand the brewery's fan base throughout Japan.

But Kokoma isn’t stopping there; several exciting projects are currently in development, including:

• - Flavor Variations of Kaséi
• - Development of Blended Sake
• - Rebranding of the beloved "Kuji no Yama" label

Further details about these projects will be announced as they progress, highlighting the brewery’s forward-thinking mindset.

Kokoma’s Ambitious Goals

In her statement upon her appointment, Kokoma expressed both excitement and trepidation about taking the reins of such an esteemed establishment. "The pressure of carrying the legacy of Nemoto Sake Brewery weighs heavily on me, but as someone raised in Ibaraki, I am determined to ensure this local treasure endures," she said. Her confidence in the potential of Kaséi is unwavering, asserting that it can compete on the world stage against other premium offerings.

As Kokoma prepares for her debut presentation at the ICC Fukuoka 2026 conference on March 3, she is keen on showcasing the hard work and creativity that have gone into crafting Kaséi. "This will be my first challenge as CEO, and I am committing my full effort to deliver our creation to as many people as possible," she declared.

Kokoma, also a trained paralegal with a background in English literature, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to her new role. Her passion for Japanese culture, coupled with her proficiency in English, positions her uniquely to communicate the essence of traditional Japanese sake to a broader audience.

With these developments, all eyes will be on Yuka Kokoma and Nemoto Sake Brewery as they embark on this exciting journey of reinvention while staying true to their historical roots. The industry will surely be watching to see how they blend tradition with modernity, paving the way for the next generation of sake enthusiasts worldwide.