"We want to convey the appeal of SAKE to the world and to the next generation” is what Kaori Shimazaki says about the idea behind the creation of Ichido Sparkling Sake. The reality is that both, non-Japanese as well as younger Japanese, often find sake inaccessible and might have wrong notions of what sake is. Kaori wanted to create an accessible product that helps these groups of people discover and appreciate sake.

That led to a collaboration with Fukushima-based Ninki Shuzo, a brewery dating back to 1897 that is well-known for its sparkling sake. The sake’s profile was developed together with culinary researchers and the VP of an ultra-luxury champagne brand. Over 700 tastings were conducted to create a product that fulfills Kaori’s original goals. The sake is brewed using the natural local water, local koji and the breweries’ expertise in bottle fermentation. The result is a range of sakes that can be paired with a variety of foods or can be enjoyed on their own.