The Legacy of 31-Year-Aged Sake: A Symbol of Hope and Charity

A unique event unfolded at the heart of Kobe, as the Japanese sake brand "SAKE HUNDRED", operated by Clear Inc., collaborated with Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe Shoin Women's University, and the Hyogo-Kobe University Consortium. This charitable event took place at the bustling Harborland commercial complex, "umie", on January 31st and February 1st, 2026. This gathering marked the 31st iteration of the Kobe Luminarie, an annual event dedicated to remembrance and reflection.

The highlight of the event was a charity tasting of the vintage sake "Gengai". This exceptional sake, which has aged for over 31 years, carries with it a profound history, emerging as a result of the hardships faced during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. The event served as a platform for students who had undertaken extensive research on the earthquake's memories. They presented their findings, exploring how the lessons learned from the disaster could ignite a "light of hope" for the future.

A Journey of Resilience

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which struck on January 17, 1995, had a devastating impact, particularly on the traditional sake breweries in Hyogo, including the renowned Sawanoi. Much of the sake production infrastructure was destroyed, leaving behind only remnants, including a miraculous tank containing "shubo", a crucial component in sake brewing. Due to the disaster's aftermath, the shubo could not proceed to the next phase of brewing, leading to the controversial decision to bottle it before its usual process was complete. This unforeseen twist of fate gave rise to what we now know as "Gengai".

Over three decades of aging have transformed this sake into a complex symphony of flavors, rather than the discordant palate it once was. Participants had the opportunity to savor this masterpiece, with its amber hue and aromatic depth offering a tasting experience that traverses the realms of sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and umami. Each sip delivered a lingering finish, reminiscent of the resilience and spirit of Kobe—a city that emerged from its darkest times with renewed strength and beauty.

At the event, students showcased their year-long research efforts, which included interviews with locals, as well as studies on earthquake recovery. They eloquently communicated how this vintage sake symbolizes the strength of the human spirit, encapsulating the essence of tenacity and hope for future generations.

Sharing Hope Through Experience

One of the central themes of the event was the concept of sharing "small lights of hope". Visitors collected and shared their personal reflections on what they wanted to protect and cherish, contributing to a collective artwork that mirrored the ongoing Luminarie display. The atmosphere of solidarity was palpable as the colorful boards filled with messages from attendees began to take form.

The charity tasting, featuring "Gengai", not only attracted the curious and sake enthusiasts but also served as a vehicle for fundraising efforts. The entirety of the proceeds from this sake tasting was pledged to the Kobe Luminarie, reinforcing the event's charitable undertones.

A Radiant Future for 'Gengai'

Experts have praised "Gengai" around the world, securing grand awards at international competitions such as "Kura Master 2022" and the "International Wine Challenge (IWC)" for three consecutive years. Its unique essence makes it impossible to recreate, thus each bottle is identified by a serial number, elevating it to an unrivaled status of rarity.

As a testament to the liquid's extraordinary character, the initial revival has inspired ongoing fascination with aging and its unpredicted transformations—what was once deemed unfit for maturation has become a sought-after vintage. The founders of SAKE HUNDRED envision a future where this singular sake, with evolving flavors and slowly dwindling quantities, could gain worldwide acclaim, drawing comparisons to the finest vintage wines, with values soaring into the hundreds of thousands.

In conclusion, the collaboration at UMIE not only highlighted the history and artistry behind "Gengai" but also emphasized a greater narrative—a narrative of hope, endurance, and community, rooted deeply in the rich fabric of Kobe. As the event concluded, the echoes of the past and aspirations for the future intertwined beautifully, encapsulating the spirit of resilience that this city embodies.

For more information about this remarkable sake and upcoming events, please visit SAKE HUNDRED.