Traditionally colored sake reflects the times, adding color to cherry blossom viewing and home drinking. The unique "Nippon IRO SAKE Project" aims to brew sake using traditional Japanese colors. How did the participating breweries approach the project? We spoke with Fukumitsuya in Ishikawa Prefecture, which created "Yamada Nishiki Korozen-style 2005," a sake with the traditional color of korozen (autumn lacquer dye). "We thought brewing sake in a traditional color would be interesting. We immediately decided to participate, formed an in-house team, and worked on the flavor, content, and design one step at a time," said Fukumitsu Matsutaro, the enterprising 13th-generation president and CEO of Fukumitsuya.

In a blind test, many people cited the color as evocative of dignity and tradition. Korozen, a color long known for the ceremonial attire worn by the emperor, was chosen as the theme color. "Because it's a noble and elegant color, we expressed the brilliance of the aged sake, which changes over time to a rich and mellow flavor, with an auspicious label design. This 10-year-old aged sake is made using 100% Yamada Nishiki, the highest quality sake rice grown under contract. It's meticulously brewed using traditional techniques and carefully managed aging," says Fukumitsu. The label design features auspicious motifs found on wedding items from his hometown of Kanazawa. Fukumitsu adds, "It's a flavor that takes 10 years to discover. We incorporated the auspiciousness and connection of this encounter into the label." The result is a traditional yet modern and sophisticated "Yamada Nishiki Kourashi Somefu 2005." Its rich, full-bodied flavor is said to pair well with both Japanese and Western cuisine.

Finally, we'll introduce the five-color sake created by the "Nippon IRO SAKE Project." Saito Sake Brewery in Akita Prefecture, famous for its Yamahai brewing method, has created "Yuki no Mesha Yamahai Junmai Ginjo Shishiiro-fu," which is based on the theme of "gardenia color." Obata Sake Brewery in Niigata Prefecture, which expresses "futaai," a color created from safflower and indigo, has created "Niai Manotsuru Junmai Ginjo," which has a mature fruity flavor and aroma. Miyasaka Brewery in Nagano Prefecture, which is known for "amairo," has created "Junmai Ginjo Teniro," which layers the changing flavor of the raw sake with the ever-changing color of the sky. Fukumitsuya in Ishikawa Prefecture has created "Yamada Nishiki Korozen-fu 2005," which shines with the brilliance of "korozen." Amabuki Sake Brewery in Saga Prefecture, which has been praised for its gorgeous "tokiiro" color, has created "Amabuki Daiginjo Tokiiro," which has a fruity aroma created by using flower yeast. These five-colored sakes will be available from March 4th at Isetan Shinjuku Main Building (Iki no Za/Washake) on the first basement floor, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Building (La Cave) on the first basement floor, and Ginza Mitsukoshi (La Cave) on the third basement floor.

Whether drinking at cherry blossom viewing parties with friends, as a gift for a party, or enjoying a luxurious drink at home, these sakes that exude the "traditional colors of Japan" will add color to any pleasant spring evening.

Return to part 1.