Discover the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind the wooden tools used in sake brewing in this talk, demonstration and tasting presented by sake professionals from the Nadagogō Brewers Association.

Thanks to its rich forestry heritage, Japan has long been celebrated for its woodworking craftsmanship. In the past, as many as 200 wooden tools were used in sake production, each designed to serve a specific role within the brewing process and harnessing the distinct properties of different types of wood. Although the number of wooden tools has decreased over time, the skills and techniques behind their making continue to be handed down by craftspeople in Nadagogō, one of Japan’s leading sake-brewing regions.

At this event, sake brewer Takahashi Toshinari, Director and Head of Production at Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Co., Ltd., introduces the history and function of sake-brewing tools, followed by a live demonstration by Nakano Masaru, cooper and Head of the Woodworking Team at Kenbishi Sake Brewing Co., Ltd., who presents the making of a daki-daru (warming barrel). Through this demonstration, guests gain insight into the spirit of craftsmanship that continues to shape the sake industry today.

The event includes an opportunity to ask questions to the speakers and concludes with a tasting of sake from Nadagogō.

Programme:

18:30–19:45: Talk and Demonstration

19:45–20:30: Tasting

The event series is presented as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme, organized in collaboration with JNTO, which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.

Please note that guests must be at least 18 years of age to participate in tasting of alcoholic drinks.

Japan House London operates a Challenge 25 policy; guests who look under 25 will be asked to show proof of age.

Japan House London reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to guests. Please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.co.uk for more information.

Please note that filming and / or photography may take place at this event. Photos and footage of the event may then be used to promote Japan House London, helping more people to discover what we offer. If you have any concerns, please contact us online or contact a member of the team on site.

About the speakers

Takahashi Toshinari

Takahashi Toshinari is Chairperson of the GI Management Committee, Director, Head of Production, and Director of the General Research Institute at Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. Since joining in 1994, he has led research on brewing microorganisms and sake production. His achievements have been recognized with the Biotechnology Technology Award from The Society for Biotechnology, Japan (2015) and the Encouragement Award from the Brewing Society of Japan (2017). Takahashi is also the supervising editor of The Science of Japanese Sake (Kodansha), which explores the appeal of sake from a scientific perspective.

Nakano Masaru

Nakano Masaru is Head of the Woodworking Team at Kenbishi Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. With 29 years of experience in straw mat wrapping for sake barrels and 14 years as a cooper, he plays a central role in maintaining and creating the wooden tools essential to sake brewing. His work includes the repair and production of barrels and other equipment used at Kenbishi, as well as fulfilling requests from other brewing companies for barrels used in producing sake, soy sauce, miso and vinegar.

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Booking Essential| Admission Free