Hello everyone, this is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
Recently, I visited the venue of the media tasting and press event held at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), organized to commemorate the launch of new products by the Toki SAKE Association. I had the privilege of extending my year-end greetings to the members and representatives of the Association.
About the “Toki SAKE Association”
The Toki SAKE Association is an organization established by leading sake breweries from across Japan with the mission of redefining the culture of aged sake for the future and sharing its value with the world. Returning to the historical roots of Japan, where aged sake once held an esteemed place much like aged wine or whisky, the Association seeks to create new high-value standards and branding based on the passage of time. Working in collaboration with research institutions such as the National Tax Agency and the National Research Institute of Brewing, the Association is dedicated to establishing scientifically grounded maturation standards—based on components, processes, and flavor profiles. Their efforts span from domestic and international outreach to partnerships with government agencies, companies, and organizations, as well as cultivating new markets. Through these initiatives, they aim to present the vast potential of aged sake to society.
By shaping the unique worldview of “Toki SAKE”—ancient yet new—the Association continues to illuminate the future of Japanese sake as a driving force for innovation, cultural preservation, and value creation.
The Future of Aged Sake Pioneered by the Toki SAKE Association
On the day of the event, a media tasting and press session was held to commemorate the limited release—starting Saturday, December 20, 2025—of two new products born from the innovative concept of combining “maturation” and “assemblage.”
The two new expressions unveiled were created through a rare cross-brewery collaboration, in which member breweries contributed their carefully nurtured aged and matured sakes. The blends were led by “Tsuki no Katsura” and “Kokuryu,” transcending brewery boundaries to craft something truly special.
The project was supervised by Mr. Seiichi Koshimizu, Honorary Chief Blender of Suntory Spirits and an advisor to the Association. By bringing out the individuality and strengths of each contributing sake, the resulting blends offer a distinctive harmony that opens new possibilities for Japanese sake.
After the session concluded, I had the opportunity to visit the venue and extend my year-end greetings to members of the Toki SAKE Association. I was then honored to be invited to the subsequent reception, where I enjoyed the newly released products while hearing directly from the brewers about their vision and the journey behind the assemblage process.
▼ For detailed product information and tasting notes, please refer to the PR TIMES article below:
株式会社アフロのプレスリリース（2025年12月15日 14時00分）新商品「刻の奏」 熟成×ブレンドによる"古くて新しい"日本酒が12月20日に発売
株式会社アフロのプレスリリース（2025年12月15日 14時00分）新商品「刻の奏」 熟成×ブレンドによる"古くて新しい"日本酒が12月20日に発売
photo by The Toki SAKE Association
“Toki no Kanade / Tsuki no Katsura”
Assemblage: Tsuki no Katsura, Dewazakura, Tenju, Nanbu Bijin
Distributor: Masuda Tokubee Shoten Co., Ltd. (URL: https://tsukinokatsura.co.jp/)
(Excerpt from tasting notes by Mr. Seiichi Koshimizu)
~ A profound flavor shaped through maturation and blending ~Building on the rich and velvety profile characteristic of room-temperature aged “Tsuki no Katsura,” the blend is elevated by Dewazakura’s delicate and vibrant fruit aroma, the mellow depth of Tenju, and the expressive acidity of Nanbu Bijin… (excerpt)
“Koku no Kanade / Kokuryu”
Assemblage: Kokuryu, Hakkaisan, Kidoizumi
Distributor: Kokuryu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (URL: https://www.kokuryu.co.jp/ja)
(Excerpt from tasting notes by Mr. Seiichi Koshimizu)
~ Aromas that evolve beautifully—unique to assemblage ~… (excerpt) The distinctive acidity from Kidoizumi’s “AFS” unfolds powerfully on the palate, while the signature umami of Kokuryu and Hakkaisan forms the core. The result is a sake with remarkable balance, depth, and a lingering finish—an extraordinary expression that showcases a new frontier of Japanese sake.
A Reception Filled with Insight Into the Depths of Aged Sake
During the reception, I had the honor of greeting Mr. Tokubee Masuda, President of Masuda Tokubee Shoten and Chairperson of the Toki SAKE Association, along with the brewers representing the member breweries. At my table, I had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Seiichi Koshimizu, Honorary Chief Blender of Suntory Spirits, and Ms. Yasuko Iida, Director of Choryo Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Their insights into the layered aromas and flavors of aged sake, the complexity developed through time, and the vision for advancing the global recognition of matured Japanese sake were deeply inspiring. It was a truly meaningful opportunity to learn about the evolving potential of aged sake within a world-wide context.
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This experience renewed my appreciation for the passion shared by members of the Toki SAKE Association—those who work tirelessly to nurture sake over many years and carry its value into the future. Through our conversations, I was reminded that maturation is not merely the passage of time; it is a deliberate, attentive process in which brewers cultivate depth and character through careful decisions and dedicated craftsmanship. The traditions passed down through generations, combined with bold new challenges, are steadily guiding Japanese sake toward an even brighter future.
As Miss SAKE, I remain committed to sharing the rich cultural heritage and multifaceted charm of Japanese sake with audiences both in Japan and around the world. I will continue to convey the stories crafted by breweries across the country and work wholeheartedly to promote the enduring value of aged sake while supporting the future of Japan’s sake culture.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
