Origin Sake
Straight from the Origin
Origin Sake is a blog and website dedicated to the wonderful world of Japanese sake. Over the coming months and years, I will be stepping through the industry's front door to share reviews, recommendations, and essential knowledge about this famous yet often misunderstood piece of Japanese culture.
Origin Sake explores traditional production methods, offers behind-the-scenes insights into active breweries (kura), and highlights fantastic venues to enjoy and appreciate Japan’s national beverage.
As a Japan resident and active sake brewer, I am privileged to visit local breweries, speak directly with the people crafting and promoting sake, and explore the country's best drinking spots. This platform is for anyone eager to learn about sake directly from the source.
Having long held a deep interest in Japanese history and culture, I decided in 2011 to leave behind a twelve-year career in the luxury automotive sector to embark on an adventure in Japan.
My experiences during that time only deepened my fascination with this multifaceted country. Upon returning to the UK, I enrolled at the University of Edinburgh, where I later earned an MA Honours in Japanese Studies. My compulsory year abroad brought me back to Japan's shores, where I was first introduced to the extraordinary world of sake. Captivated by its complexity, I chose to write my final-year dissertation on the future potential of the sake industry.
This research led me to several breweries in Okayama Prefecture, where I interviewed the talented men and women crafting sake today. After graduating in 2016, I relocated to Japan once again to join a small brewery on the outskirts of Okayama as a brewer.
Now fully committed to uncovering the craft, I hope to play a small role in sharing this wonderful aspect of Japanese culture with the world—and to contribute to the vitality of the industry that has given me so much.
Acknowledgements
Origin Sake would like to thank the following individuals and companies who have in some way or another helped with the making of this website. Without the wisdom, inspiration and general support that I have received over the years the making of this website would not have been possible.
Daishichi Sake Brewery (大七酒造)
Juhachi Zakari Shuzo (十八盛酒造)
Imada Shuzo Honten (今田酒造本店)
John Gauntner
Keizo Ishia
Miho Imada
Ichiro Hiramatsu
Philip Harper
Training, Certifications and Affiliations
MA Honours in Japanese Studies from Edinburgh University
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Ambassador
Kurabito for Juhachi Zakari Shuzo
Kurabito for Imada Shuzo Honten
Kurabito for Kenbishi Shuzo
Member of the Hiroshima Toji Association
Niigata Seishu Tatsujin (Bronze Level)
Support Origin Sake
Origin Sake is a fully independant website committed to delivering educational content regarding Japan's national beverage. If you find the site useful or enjoyable, please consider making a small donation at my Buymeacoffee page. This helps me create more frequent, higher quality content, and just a small donation goes a long way.
Many Thanks
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