On the sunny spring weekend of April 6th and 7th, 2024, the long-awaited Sake Festival hosted by Akita SAKE Brewers Association made its grand return at Tokyo’s Ebisu Garden Place. This event, held for the first time in five years since 2019, attracted Japanese sake enthusiasts from near and far, eager to experience the best of Akita’s brewing traditions.
The festival brought together 28 distinguished sake breweries from Akita Prefecture, each showcasing three unique varieties of their finest sake. In total, 84 different types of sake were on offer, providing a rich tasting experience for both seasoned aficionados and newcomers. With 600 advance tickets sold and eager attendees lining up for same-day admission, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement under the clear spring skies.
A Taste of Akita
Akita, located in the northern region of Japan’s Tohoku area, is renowned not only for its breathtaking natural landscapes but also for its long-standing sake brewing tradition. The prefecture’s cold winters, pristine water sources, and high-quality rice make it an ideal location for producing some of the country’s finest sake. Akita’s breweries are known for their dedication to craftsmanship, often combining centuries-old brewing techniques with modern innovation. This rich history, paired with the region’s deep connection to nature, allows Akita’s sake to stand out for its purity and depth of flavour.
Exploring the Festival
The event offered two types of advance tickets: a 3,500 yen option and a 6,800 yen option. Upon arrival, these tickets were exchanged for 15 and 30 tasting coins, respectively, which could be used to sample the variety of sakes on offer. Each sake required a different number of coins depending on its rarity and quality. While some could be enjoyed for just one coin, the average price was around three coins per glass.
Among the 84 varieties, three premium sakes stood out, requiring six coins per sample. These exclusive sakes, unavailable for retail purchase, were highly sought after, with long lines forming as festival-goers eagerly waited for a taste of these rare brews.
A Festive Atmosphere
One of the unique aspects of the festival was the attire worn by the brewery staff. Each representative donned a traditional jacket called a happi, which featured the name of their recommended sake printed on the back. The designs varied from brewery to brewery, with each showcasing distinct fonts that reflected the character of the sake. Though not colorful, the unique typography and logos printed on the happi jackets added a sense of authenticity and pride. These individualized designs offered an intriguing visual element for attendees as they explored the many sake options on display.
A New Generation in Sake Brewing
One of the standout moments of the event was meeting a young female sake producer who was actively introducing her own sake. In an industry where it’s often said that sake is losing popularity among younger generations, it was encouraging to see a young woman taking on the challenge of sake making.
She not only crafted the sake herself but also took charge of naming the product and designing the bottle’s label. Her passion and creativity were evident as she enthusiastically shared her work with attendees, symbolizing a fresh and dynamic energy that is bringing new life to Japan’s traditional sake industry.
The Akita Sake Festival was a wonderful opportunity to explore the depth and diversity of sake, as well as to connect with the passionate people behind each bottle. From the traditional techniques of the master brewers to the innovative contributions of a new generation, this event offered a glimpse into the evolving future of Japan’s sake culture. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or new to the world of sake, events like this showcase the rich heritage and bright potential of one of Japan’s most cherished traditions.
