Sawanotsuru to Release Sustainable Pure Rice Sake Using Climate-Resilient Rice on June 22

Sawanotsuru (Kobe, Japan; President Takashi Nishimura) will launch a limited sake, "Sawanotsuru SUSTAINABLE CHALLENGE300 Junmai Ginjo," on June 22, 2026. Brewed with Fukui-grown Niji no Kirameki rice, the product utilizes a high-yielding, heat-resistant crop. This rice received MAFF's "Mierukabel" eco-label, securing 3 stars for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29.56% (CO2 equivalent) per 10kg, and 1 star for biodiversity conservation. For brewing, Sawanotsuru utilizes waste heat from Kobe Steel's adjacent facility to generate steam for rice steaming and bottling, reducing Sawanotsuru's overall annual CO2 emissions by about 17% (100 tons). The resulting sake is dry, crisp, and offers apple-like notes. A 720ml bottle costs 2,000 yen (excluding tax), with pre-orders beginning June 5.