At Jyuku to Kan, our mission is to revive the culture of aged sake and expand the joy it brings. But rather than simply restoring past traditions, we also aspire to gently weave in new cultural pleasures.
One such initiative is our “pairing” series, featuring book director Mr. Haba Yoshitaka. For each session, we select unique bottles of sake, and he curates books to pair with them—exploring why each book was chosen and even reading select excerpts aloud. It’s a time to savor both sake and storytelling in a slow, reflective atmosphere.
The second installment of this event was recently held in a quiet corner at the base of Kyoto’s Higashiyama hills.
Co-hosted by Kyo no Nihonshu, the event featured captivating new releases from Tsuchida Shuzo and Nagai Shuzo of Kawaba Village, Gunma.
From Jyuku to Kan, we presented:
- Shinkame Kotori no Saezuri Junmai Ginjo 2018
- Tamagawa Time Machine “Vintage” 2018
Paired with "Shinkame Kotori no Saezuri Junmai Ginjo 2018" is "Kimi no Tori wa Utaeru (Your Bird Can Sing)" by Sato Yasushi, who was nominated for the Akutagawa Prize many times but passed away young without ever winning.
In recent years, Sato Yasushi's works have been adapted into films, and he has been getting more attention again. His novel is a wonderful work that gives a sense of drama but also of tranquility, as the story progresses while giving a glimpse into the depths of the minds of three people, two men and one woman. The rich flavor hidden in the robust "Shinkame Kotori no Saezuri" is brought out even more by drinking hot sake. Listening to this reading while making such discoveries is truly blissful.
◇ Shinkame Kotori no Saezuri Junmai Ginjo 2018 720ml
Price: 3,350 yen (tax included)
On the other hand, "Time Machine" features Sakyo Komatsu's early masterpiece "Hateshinaki Nagare no Hateni (At the End of the Endless Stream)." This is one of Sakyo Komatsu's earliest epic science fiction works, known for many works such as "Nihon Chinbotsu (Japan Sinks)" and for producing the last Osaka Expo.
As befitting a time machine, the story progresses as it travels back and forth through time, but the timeline is truly epic. I was amazed by the scale of the Chinese film "The Three-Body Problem," but this film, released in 1965, is no less impressive in terms of scale. I listened to Mr. Haba's story while sipping the "Time Machine," which was created by Tamagawa (Kinoshita Sake Brewery) master brewer Philip Harper based on a recipe from the Edo period. It was impressive that many of the participants said, "This is a time I wish would continue forever."
◇ Tamagawa Time Machine "Vintage" 2018 500ml
Price: 2,000 yen (tax included)
Jyuku to Kan will continue to hold various events to enjoy the culture of aged sake. We may be able to inform you of events in advance on social media, so we would appreciate it if you could check in from time to time.
(The top image is for illustrative purposes only.)