A Project to Share the Appeal of Japan's Culinary Culture: The Art of Sake

"SAKENOMY" is a portmanteau of "Sake" and "nomy," evoking "gastronomy," which refers to the art and science of good eating. The project was established with the aim of learning about, enjoying, and appreciating sake and its associated culture.

The origin of "SAKENOMY" traces back to "N-bar," a project personally launched by Hidetoshi Nakata in London during the Olympics in July 2012. It served as a sake bar where brewers offered Japan's finest sake to express gratitude to countries that provided significant support after the Great East Japan Earthquake. In 2014, a temporary "nakata.net Cafe 2014" was also opened in São Paulo during the FIFA World Cup. These initiatives have been spreading the appeal of Japan's traditional culture, including its sake culture, worldwide.

"We Want More People to Feel Closer to Sake"

For this "SAKENOMY Project supported by e仕事," 33 varieties from 32 leading Japanese sake breweries are participating, with the cooperation of "Hasegawa Saketen," which also sold sake as an official licensed product for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Following the opening reception at Milan Salone on April 13th, a "SAKE Seminar" was held on April 15th, where brewers from various regions of Japan participating in the "SAKENOMY" project lectured top Italian chefs on sake knowledge. The sake was served in original glasses made of Mino ware, with the cooperation of Tajimi City, Mizunami City, and Toki City in Gifu Prefecture.

Nakata, who spends a significant amount of time in Italy, commented, "I want more people to experience sake more intimately. I hope it becomes recognized by brand, just like wine, not just as the word 'SAKE.' First, it's important for people to know about it. Through my project, I want more people to feel closer to sake."

A restaurant industry professional who attended the "SAKE Seminar" remarked, "There are still few places in Milan where one can drink high-quality sake, so opportunities like this can help spread sake to more people."

The "SAKENOMY" Project Engages All of Milan

Furthermore, during the Milan Expo, which began on May 1st with the theme "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," various contents related to "Japan Quality," such as sake, Mino ware, and traditional crafts, will be showcased.

From Friday, June 19th to Wednesday, June 24th, a pop-up store will be set up at the popular Milanese café "Swiss Corner." Additionally, satellite "SAKENOMY Satellite" bars will be established in collaboration with popular restaurants and bars throughout Milan, offering opportunities to enjoy sake during the Expo.

Participating Sake Breweries (Brands) in "SAKENOMY"
[Tohoku] Nanbu Bijin (Iwate) / Hakurakusei (Miyagi) / Katsuyama (Miyagi) / Juyondai (Yamagata) / Sharaku (Fukushima)
[Kanto] Raifuku (Ibaraki) / Hououbiden (Tochigi) / Biwa no Sasurami (Saitama)
[Chubu] Hakkaisan (Niigata) / Mikotsuru (Nagano) / Alga Branca (Yamanashi) / Reissen (Gifu) / Isojiman (Shizuoka) / Hatsukame (Shizuoka) / Tengu-mai (Ishikawa)
[Kansai] Sakigake (Mie) / Kid (Wakayama) / Saika (Wakayama) / Tsuruume (Wakayama) / Matsunotsukasa (Shiga)
[Chugoku/Shikoku] Toyo Bijin (Yamaguchi) / Dassai (Yamaguchi) / Ugo no Tsuki (Hiroshima) / Suishun (Kochi) / Bibishin (Kochi) / Akitora (Kochi) / Dabada Hiburi (Kochi)
[Kyushu] Mitsui no Kotobuki (Fukuoka) / Kenkichi (Oita) / Yokoyama 50 (Nagasaki) / Nakanaka (Miyazaki) / Issho (Kagoshima) / Seikouudo (Kagoshima)
Cooperation: Hasegawa Saketen


<Events>
SAKENOMY
A limited-time pop-up store located in the heart of Milan, a hub for the latest fashion and culture, at the popular café "Swiss Corner."
Operating Period | Scheduled for Friday, June 19th – Wednesday, June 24th (No holidays during this period)
Location | "Swiss Corner" Café, Milan, Italy
(Via Palestro, 2 – 20121 Milano)
Content | Sake service by brewers of Japan's finest sake, shochu, and more.
Exhibition of traditional crafts and events aimed at promoting Japanese culture.
Related events for the Nikken Sohgoh "Monozukuri Nippon e-shigoto × ReVALUE NIPPON" project.

SAKENOMY Satellite
Satellite bars offering sake during the Milan Expo, in collaboration with popular Milanese restaurants and bars.
Japanese Restaurants | Sake offered at Milanese Japanese restaurants "Finger's" and "IYO."
Hotels | Sake offered at renowned hotels including "Four Seasons."
Restaurants | Sake offered at Italian restaurants such as "D'O" and "Langosteria 10."
*Information on new satellite locations will be released sequentially on nakata.net.
http://nakata.net/milano2015/