Experience the Unique Saga Red Vinegar Project at Tokyo Sampling Event

Experience the Saga Red Vinegar Project in Tokyo

On April 25, 2026, the Saga Red Vinegar Project is set to hold a unique sampling event at the Tokyo Transportation Hall. This groundbreaking initiative focuses on utilizing the sake lees from local sake breweries, making it the first of its kind in the world. With the increasing awareness around sustainability and healthy eating, red vinegar has gained significant attention in recent years.

The event is themed "Unraveling Red Vinegar,” allowing participants to sample a diverse range of flavors that each brewery has to offer. Attendees will have the opportunity to not only taste various red vinegars but also learn how to integrate them into daily meals through creative pairing suggestions.

A Rare Chance to Taste Five Distinct Red Vinegars

This event promises to be a treasure trove for vinegar enthusiasts. Participants will choose two varieties from five different offerings and engage in a tasting experience.

Event Highlights:

- Taste comparison of two selected red vinegars out of five options.
- Insights into red vinegar pairings with various foods.
- Storytelling sessions by project members detailing the inception of the project.
- On-site sales of the red vinegar products.
- A chance to win exciting prizes through a lottery.
- Distribution of discount coupons.

Moreover, attendees will have the chance to converse with project members to gain deeper insights into the project's background and how to enjoy red vinegar to its fullest.

Participating Breweries

The five distinct red vinegars are crafted using sake lees from the following breweries in Saga Prefecture:

- Tosatsuru Brewery (Taku City)
- Amabuki Brewery (Miyaki Town)
- Tenzan Brewery (Ogi City)
- Kuro-Imairi Brewery (Imari City)
- Koutake Brewery (Kashima City)

Typically, Saga Red Vinegar is available primarily online or within Saga Prefecture, making this event a rare opportunity to experience it firsthand in Tokyo.

A Sustainable Approach to Value Creation

Saga Prefecture is renowned for its rice and sake production, which raises concerns about effectively utilizing the sake lees produced during the sake manufacturing process. The driving force behind this project is Honzan Co., Ltd., a company engaged in farming and sake production, headed by Tomoko Motoyama. They have successfully formed a unique collaboration between sake breweries and vinegar makers to create red vinegar from sake lees, with seven breweries collaborating as of March 2026.

The red vinegar production uses a traditional static fermentation method upheld by Saga Vinegar in Saga City, taking over 180 days of fermentation to create this rare product from aged sake lees. The project's efforts have earned high praise, including the Grand Prize in the condiment sauce category at the Nihon no Takaramono Japan Grand Prix in 2024.

From a resource-circulation perspective, the project has sparked new value creation, leading to community revitalization by leveraging regional resources.

The Rise of Red Vinegar

Unlike traditional vinegars, red vinegar boasts a higher concentration of amino acids, characterized by a mellow acidity accompanied by umami, richness, and a fragrant aroma. With less pungency, it's easy to incorporate into daily meals and has captured the attention of health-conscious consumers who are keen on its beauty and health benefits. Research indicates that red vinegar contains several exceptional beauty and health components, leading to widespread support across various demographics.

Connecting Travelers with Saga's Fermentation Charm

Through the platform SAGOJO, which connects travelers with local enterprises, the Saga Red Vinegar Project attracts members from across the nation to explore and promote the essence of Saga's sake breweries, allowing them to engage deeply with the producers and the environment.

This event is inspired by actual site visits, ensuring it transcends mere sales or tastings to deliver a holistic experience of red vinegar.

Looking Ahead: Saga Red Vinegar's Next Stage

With a visionary goal of establishing Saga as a leading production area for red vinegar, the project aims to transform local resources into new value through collaborations between local companies, sake breweries, and vinegar producers.

They plan to solidify this system as the Honzan model, with eyes set on expansion into other regions across Japan. Efforts are underway to create new product innovations, including an encouragement-focused jelly named RED-SAGA developed through collaborations among industry, academia, and government.

Event Details

- Date: April 25, 2026 (Saturday), from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Location: Transportation Hall Market Sampling Area, 1st Floor Piloti, Tokyo Transportation Hall, 2-10-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station (Kyobashi Exit & Central Exit) and 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Yurakucho Station [D8]
- Content: Tasting and sales of red vinegar, interactive experience

Note: Event details may be subject to change.

For more information, check out:

Contact Information:
Saga Red Vinegar Project Executive Committee Secretariat: Honzan Co., Ltd.
Contact: Tomoko Motoyama
Email: [email protected]