Wajo Waraku | Vol. 7: A Visit to France with Kuheiji Kuno of Kamoshibito Kuheiji.
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May 29, 2015

Wajo Waraku | Vol. 7: A Visit to France with Kuheiji Kuno of Kamoshibito Kuheiji.



Pay Attention! Sake That's Conquering the World

Kuno Kuhei's Visit to France: "Kamoshi Heihei"


"The Global Boom in Japanese Cuisine," "Sake Consumed Worldwide."
For OPENERS readers who travel abroad frequently, these phrases are likely common knowledge.
However, many of you might also think, "Sake abroad isn't very good. It's just expensive..."


Text by Wajo WarakuPhoto by Jamandfix(TOP)




In Paris, Sake's Depth Unfolds, Accompanying You from Before to After the Meal


There's certainly some truth to that. Knowledge about quality and proper storage often doesn't reach overseas. This leads to absurd pricing or severe degradation due to poor preservation...

But, but there's more. The situation has changed recently. Here, we'd like to share our observations from France. A service built on deep understanding and meticulous management, combined with European experience, opens new horizons for sake.




In France, where sommelier service is deeply ingrained, much of the discovery of sake's new charms comes from them.
First, the glasses. We conducted tastings with various sake vessels brought from Japan, but they ultimately chose wine glasses. Sake is served in the most appropriate glass for each restaurant setting.


Sake is, by nature, meant to be enjoyed with food.
Its great appeal lies in its ability to effortlessly pair with any dish or occasion.
With a touch of Parisian esprit, sake's profound versatility shines, accompanying you from the start to the end of your meal.


At Joël Robuchon, Monaco









At Hôtel de Crillon


Of course, the storage conditions are also perfect.

It's not uncommon for "Japan events" to be held at Paris's palace hotels.


The sight of people enjoying sake with authentic sushi has become commonplace.
Their relentless pursuit of perfection knows no bounds. The level of quality improves year by year,
often making one feel as if they've stepped into a long-established restaurant in Ginza.




At Agape


Furthermore, there are sommeliers who decant sake.
This removes any distracting aromas, allowing the sake's inherent fragrance to emerge.
The texture becomes smoother, and the minerality, previously unnoticed, comes alive.
This, too, is a new discovery born from their dedication to exploration.

Naturally, people like them also visit Japan.
It's only natural that those who seek the very best would visit breweries.
They visit numerous breweries, including ours, deepening their understanding of sake.



Their questions are sharp, often leaving us momentarily stumped, but they also provide valuable insights.
While they possess strong national pride, their willingness to acknowledge and embrace excellence, and their professional dedication to understanding and utilizing it, offer much to learn from.

One of the pleasures of traveling is savoring local delicacies.
However, when staying for an extended period, the pangs of homesickness can become unbearable.
On your next trip, why not try ordering some sake?

Perhaps you'll discover a new facet of Japan in a foreign land.

Hasegawa Saketen
http://www.hasegawasaketen.com





"Kamoshi Heihei" Giveaway



We are giving away a 720ml bottle of sake, featured in each installment of the "Wajo Waraku SAKE Academy" series on the web magazine OPENERS, to three lucky winners.

If you wish to enter, please apply via the form below.
Winners will be contacted directly.

We also welcome your questions about sake. Those whose questions are selected will receive a popular sake from "Wajo Waraku." Please send us any terms you'd like to know about or any simple questions you may have.

Application Period: Monday, November 2, 2009 – Monday, November 30, 2009 (12:00 PM)


Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.