Name: Tools of the trade: woodworking craftsmanship and sake in Nadagogō
Start: 2025-11-14T18:30:00+00:00
End: 2025-11-14T20:30:00+00:00
Location: 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA London, United Kingdom

$Tools of the trade: woodworking craftsmanship and sake in Nadagog\u014d$

Discover the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind the wooden tools used in sake brewing in this talk, demonstration and tasting presented by sake professionals from the Nadagogō Brewers Association.
Thanks to its rich forestry heritage, Japan has long been celebrated for its woodworking craftsmanship. In the past, as many as 200 wooden tools were used in sake production, each designed to serve a specific role within the brewing process and harnessing the distinct properties of different types of wood. Although the number of wooden tools has decreased over time, the skills and techniques behind their making continue to be handed down by craftspeople in Nadagogō, one of Japan’s leading sake-brewing regions.
At this event, sake brewer Takahashi Toshinari, Director and Head of Production at Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewing Co., Ltd., introduces the history and function of sake-brewing tools, followed by a live demonstration by Nakano Masaru, cooper and Head of the Woodworking Team at Kenbishi Sake Brewing Co., Ltd., who presents the making of a daki-daru (warming barrel). Through this demonstration, guests gain insight into the spirit of craftsmanship that continues to shape the sake industry today.
The event includes an opportunity to ask questions to the speakers and concludes with a tasting of sake from Nadagogō.
Programme:
18:30–19:45: Talk and Demonstration
19:45–20:30: Tasting
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.