Many sing the praises of Japan’s distinct seasons; the foliage of autumn, the frosty snow of winter, the cherry blossoms of spring and the serenading cicadas of summer. But many overlook, or perhaps are unfamiliar with, the unique and worst season of all – the rainy season.
Stinking humidity and seemingly non-stop torrential rain can spell chaos for one’s social life and laundry habits. It’s enough to make you want to stay home and not go anywhere for two weeks.
Which is fine…as long as we have sake in the house.
And now for the news…
Fukushima- The sake community social media has been abuzz with the terrible news of a devastating fire on June 1 which destroyed much of the historic facilities of Sasa Masamune Shuzō, one of Fukushima Prefecture’s more recognized producers.
The blaze was reported at 10:40 a.m. and extinguished roughly 12 hours later, resulting in damage to over 3000 square meters of property including the loss of brewing facilities, storehouses including six of the brewery’s eight Registered Tangible Cultural Properties structures and the brewery’s main residence. Fortunately no injuries were reported.
Sasa Masamune Shuzō was founded in 1818 and is recognized for its namesake flagship label Sasa Masamune.
Among the losses were stored sake rice, brewing equipment, more than 25,000 bottles awaiting shipment and more bottles in inventory. Approximately 1000 bottles were reportedly recovered, however the condition of the bottles has not been confirmed. The cause remains under investigation, although police and fire authorities are reportedly focusing on electrical systems.
The disaster has prompted a strong response from the sake industry with the Fukushima Prefecture’s sake brewers association having already established a recovery fund, while neighboring breweries have pledged support. Despite the scale of the loss, company president Yujiro Iwata has indicated his intention to rebuild and, if necessary, borrow facilities from other breweries to ensure Sasamasamune’s brewing tradition continues.
Source – Minyu | Newsdig
JG: Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone at Sasamasamune. In spite of what looks like insurmountable challenges, it is inspirational that they have expressed a commitment to rebuild. Let us all follow their progress and support them how and when we can!
笹正宗酒造
Osaka: Many SIN readers will be familiar with Daimon Brewery in Osaka, perhaps even visited the brewery or interned there through its internship program. Well, chances are the brewery may look quite different next time you visit with some new developments set to really see the brewery enter a new phase.
Daimon Brewery, has announced a new partnership with world acclaimed Chef Gaggan Anand and designer Bill Bensley to develop a 15-suite luxury hospitality concept at its brewery site in Katano in Osaka.
