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This month’s issue is particularly close to my heart.
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With Kyoto, Tottori, and Fukuoka recently designated as new Sake Geographical Indications, we take a closer look at what defines these regions. Among them, Tottori stands out for me—not just as a GI, but as a place I’ve had the privilege to explore extensively, even working in all processes of Sake making with my own hands.
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From the characterful Goriki rice to the quiet intensity of its winter landscapes, Tottori’s sake tells a story of precision, restraint, and authenticity. This issue captures a slice of that journey—through a featured sake from Inata Honten, and a short video tracing my arrival into this remarkable prefecture.
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We also introduce Sake Joe, a new voice in our knowledge journey. For those who have followed my journey, his perspective may feel familiar—rooted in firsthand experiences in Japanese breweries, where learning unfolds on the floor.
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Here’s to the places and people that shape every sip.
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Sake Update
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Three prefectures—Kyoto, Tottori, and Fukuoka—received Geographical Indication (GI) status for their sake, all on the same day. Here's a lowdown...
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Sake Joe
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We are super excited to introduce "Sake Joe" - our knowledge mascot who will periodically appear in this space to share some valuable insights about "Sake and beyond". Joe derives his knowledge from his practical experiences in Japan and is a keen proponent of India-Japan synergy.
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Knowledge Bytes
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Sake Rice: Goriki
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Tottori's native rice Goriki offers relatively large grains with a clear shinpaku (starchy core), making it well-suited for controlled and precise brewing. It is a low-yield, moderately demanding rice to cultivate, contributing to its limited presence even within Japan.
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Sake Showcase
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Princess Marriage- Fruity dreams
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Tasting notes: Aromas of green
apple, melon, white flowers, muscat, cotton candy and almond jelly .
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On the palate- tree fruit flavours with a medium level of umami and a velvety finish.
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A small bottle of Japanese sake made from a mixture fermented in space has been sold for nearly $700,000, as its producer explores the possibility of brewing the drink on the Moon.
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Landing into Yonago in peak winter, the landscape below feels almost distilled—snow-laden fields, quiet settlements, and the brooding presence of Mount Daisen.
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This short captures that gentle entry into Tottori, where winter is not just scenic, but central to sake brewing.
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Tottori Prefecture is served by two airports: Yonago Kitaro Airport in the west and Tottori Airport in the east—both offering efficient access from Tokyo.
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Breweries visited: Inata Honten (Yonago), Otani Shuzo (Kotoura), Umetsu Shuzo (Hokuei), Yamane Shuzo and Nakagawa Brewery (Tottori city), Suwa Shuzo (Chizu) and Gensui Shuzo (Kurayoshi). The return, fittingly, was via Tottori Airport.
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