#Japan #Kyoto #Tamanohikari #350X #SkeletonCrew

Tamanohikari Sake Brewery's Innovative Project 350X

For over 350 years, Tamanohikari Sake Brewery, based in Fushimi, Kyoto, has been a cornerstone of traditional sake production. This year, they are taking an exciting step forward in collaboration with the creative group Skeleton Crew Studio. Together, they are launching a new art sake initiative titled "350X," marking the beginning of a public call for creators to join their artistic journey.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

The goal of the 350X project is not merely to create sake but to redefine the experience of consuming it. By merging experimental brewing techniques with contemporary artistic expressions, each bottle serves as more than just a drink; it becomes a medium for artistic storytelling. Historically, the series has featured collaborations with 24 creators from various fields, making the sake labels akin to pieces of art.

As they embark on their fifth series, 350X aims to invite fresh talents through a public recruitment initiative, expanding their creative horizons. This marks a significant departure from past practices and is anticipated to bring unique perspectives to the project.

Key Highlights of 350X

• - Public Recruitment of Creators: This is the first time 350X will open its doors to creators around the world through an open call.
• - Experimental Brewing: Each series of sake is crafted with distinct taste profiles, showcasing a range of flavor experiences derived from trial brewing.
• - Cross-Disciplinary Integration: The initiative welcomes creators from the realms of art, gaming, film, and fashion, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to creativity.

The Essence of Trial Brewing

Trial brewing plays a crucial role in the 350X series, allowing the brewery to experiment with rice varieties, yeast, koji, recipe formulations, fermentation temperatures, and aging methods. This experimental process is not just a technical endeavor; it’s a commitment to innovation while honoring centuries-old traditions. Tamanohikari visualizes the different flavor profiles created through trial brewing, enabling them to offer a spectrum of sake styles, each with its unique personality.

The collaboration seeks creators who can connect emotionally with the sake's flavor, the rich history of Tamanohikari, and the geographical uniqueness of Fushimi, Kyoto. They are encouraged to translate their personal insights and creativity into compelling new expressions.

What the 350X Project Represents

Founded in 1673, Tamanohikari has continually celebrated the fusion of tradition and modernity in sake production. The 350X project exemplifies this ethos by treating the bottle as a canvas, each series designed around specific themes and creative input from the selected artists. The intention is to expand the perception of sake from being merely a consumable item to a multifaceted cultural expression.

Over the years, 350X has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, illustrators, designers, and culinary creators, diversifying its expression and outreach beyond the traditional sake market. With initiatives that include university partnerships, corporate collaborations, and participation in events globally, the project seeks to cultivate a vibrant community around sake and artistry.

Invitation to Join: 350X Creator Recruitment

This autumn, Tamanohikari will launch its public call for creators as part of the fifth series of 350X. The initiative aims to find one participating creator for this series, as well as identifying additional collaborators for future projects. The selected creator will not only design a label for the series but will also gain recognition through various platforms including online exhibitions, promotional events, and on social media.

Application Details:

• - Submission Period: June 1 to June 30, 2026.
• - Recruitment: 1 creator for series 5 and several candidates for future projects.
• - Genres: No limitations; all forms of artistic expression are welcomed including illustrations, graphics, photography, art, games, film, and fashion.
• - Age Requirement: Generally, applicants should be 20 years or older.
• - Support Funds: A production and co-creation support fee of 100,000 JPY (excluding tax) will be provided post-delivery.
• - How to Apply: Interested creators can submit their work images, concepts, profiles, portfolio URLs, and contact information through the provided application form.

Opportunities for Participating Creators

Participating in the 350X project extends beyond the label design itself. Creators will have the chance to engage in various activities including:

• - Interview features on official notes and social media.
• - Participation in unveiling events, tastings, exhibition displays, and discussion panels.
• - Opportunities to feature their artworks at individual exhibitions and other collaborative events.

350X aims to be a bridge connecting creators' expressions with society, enriching the world of sake, traditional culture, and contemporary art. For those interested in collaborating and exploring new dimensions within the sake industry, Tamanohikari looks forward to what the future holds as it embarks on its next century of innovation and creativity.

Closing Comments

Tamanohikari Sake Brewery

As a brewery with a legacy spanning over 350 years, our mission goes beyond just preserving tradition; we are actively seeking to redefine the value of sake for the next century. The 350X project embodies the convergence of experimental brewing and artistic expression, and by inviting public participation, we anticipate forging connections with new talents and collaboratively crafting the future of our series.

Skeleton Crew Studio

350X is not just about label design; it serves as a practical platform for creators to link their work to the community. By integrating diverse realms of artistry—from sake to pop culture—the project encourages unprecedented encounters and narratives. We eagerly await to see how creators interpret the experimental sake through their artistic lenses and how these collaborations will unfold in series 5.