Name: Nadagogō: sake tradition and innovation in Hyōgo
Start: 2025-11-13T18:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-11-13T20:30:00+00:00
Location: 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA London, United Kingdom

$Nadagog\u014d: sake tradition and innovation in Hy\u014dgo$

Discover the sake-making craftsmanship of Nadagogō, one of Japan’s most renowned brewing regions, in this talk, demonstration and tasting presented by sake professionals from the Nadagogō Brewers Association.
Nestled along the southern coast of Hyōgo Prefecture, Nadagogō (lit. ‘the Five Villages of Nada’) is blessed with ideal natural conditions for sake brewing: mineral-rich miyamizu spring water, high-quality Yamada-nishiki rice and a climate well-suited to fermentation. Its reputation, however, was built not only on nature but also on generations of ingenuity and technical innovation, supported by a maritime transportation network established during the Edo period (1603–1868), that enabled the region to supply around 50% of Edo’s (present day Tokyo’s) sake. Today, Nadagogō remains at the heart of Japan’s sake production, accounting for the largest share within Hyōgo Prefecture, which ranks first nationwide.
At this event, sake brewer Takahashi Toshinari, Director and Head of Production at Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Co., Ltd., explores the natural, historical and technical factors that established Nadagogō as a leading centre of sake production.
Nakano Masaru, cooper and Head of the Woodworking Team at Kenbishi Sake Brewing Co., Ltd., follows with a live komomaki demonstration. This straw-wrapping technique developed in the Edo period to protect sake barrels during shipment and is still practised today for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
After the talk, guests attending in person in the Hall can enjoy a tasting of sake from Nadagogō (please note that the tasting session is not included in the livestream).
Programme:
18:30–19:45: Talk and Demonstration
19:45–20:30: Tasting*
*Please note that the tasting session is not included in the livestream.
The event series is presented as part of the Spotlight on Local Japan Programme, organized in collaboration with JNTO, which accepts applications from potential collaborators based in Japan to co-create cultural events presenting Japan’s regional diversity at Japan House London.
Please note that guests must be at least 18 years of age to participate in tasting of alcoholic drinks.
Japan House London operates a Challenge 25 policy; guests who look under 25 will be asked to show proof of age.
Japan House London reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to guests. Please drink responsibly. Visit drinkaware.co.uk for more information.
Booking Essential | Admission Free
The event will also be live streamed online.