From "Drinking Culture" to "Lifestyle Culture" for Japanese Sake. Sake Lees Skincare "1684 AZUMAMINE" Aims for New Value [April Dream]
1684 Co., Ltd. is expanding its sake lees skincare brand "1684 AZUMAMINE," aiming to transform sake culture from "drinking" to "lifestyle." Following the 2025 launch of "Sake Lees Lotion," the company is preparing to release its second product, "Sake Lees Facial Cleansing Soap," proposing a comprehensive skincare line.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 09:36
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 20:22 (370h 46m after Collected)
About 1684 Co., Ltd.
1684 Co., Ltd. (Ichirokuhachiyon, Headquarters: Shiwa-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture, Representative: Emi Furukawa) develops the skincare brand "1684 AZUMAMINE," which upcycles sake lees from "Azumamine Shuzo," the oldest sake brewery in Iwate Prefecture.
The company aims to find new value in sake lees, a byproduct, and to spread the appeal of Japanese sake culture more widely.
In addition, by making this initiative a model and expanding cooperation with sake breweries exploring new initiatives, we aim to revitalize the entire Japanese sake industry.
History of Establishment
While traditional Japanese sake brewing is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it faces challenges such as a decrease in domestic consumption of sake, a shortage of successors, and difficulty in stable supply of sake rice.
If things continue as they are, Japanese sake culture itself may shrink. In the midst of such a sense of crisis, the question arose: Is there a way to expand the value of Japanese sake beyond "drinking"? With this in mind, 1684's initiatives began.
Progress to Date
In March 2025, the first product, "1684 AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Lotion," went on sale.
By blending sake lees extract from Azumamine Shuzo, we created a formula that is easy for those sensitive to alcohol to use, and by combining sake lees extract with naturally derived moisturizing ingredients, we focused on moisturizing power that allows for simple care.
"1684 AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Lotion" is sold mainly on our own e-commerce site and through the following online channels.
・Our own e-commerce site https://shop.1684.jp/
・Amazon https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0F996SKFM/
・Qoo10 https://www.qoo10.jp/shop/1684
・Various Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation) sites
In addition, we are wholesaling to facilities and select shops around Shiwa-cho. (Details of handling stores: https://1684.jp/Shop)
Furthermore, the initiative was recognized for its efforts in utilizing sake lees, a byproduct of sake breweries, to create a highly effective cosmetic lotion, and for connecting previously discarded sake lees to new possibilities in the beauty market, receiving the Good Design Award in 2025.
In addition, we have carried out community-based initiatives such as adoption as gifts at obstetric and gynecological clinics in Morioka City and distribution to new adults at Shiwa-cho's "Coming-of-Age Ceremony."
To expand business recognition, Representative Furukawa spoke at the final judging of the "5th Kitanippon Bank New Business Contest" and was also selected as a finalist for "GIRAFFES JAPAN RED TOHOKU 2025."
Furthermore, it was featured in the sake brewery cosmetics special issue of the lifestyle magazine "Linen" (March 2026 issue), attracting attention as sake-derived skincare.
Current Developments
Currently, we are preparing for the general sale of our second product, "1684 AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Facial Cleansing Soap."
This product is a cold-process facial cleansing soap containing sake lees, characterized by its gentle wash that utilizes the properties of the ingredients.
In addition to the sake lees lotion we have developed so far, with the introduction of this product, we are promoting the development of a skincare line that offers a series of steps from cleansing to moisturizing.
Furthermore, this product was pre-sold through crowdfunding conducted from February to March 2026, and received a great deal of support.
Moreover, as part of the April Dream initiative, this project is scheduled to be displayed on Yamanote Line train car signage from April 1, 2026.
The dream to be displayed is: "We want to create a world where sake culture continues into the future."
Future Initiatives
Going forward, we will increase opportunities for people to learn about our products and initiatives by meeting them directly.
We believe that having people actually hold our products, rather than just seeing them on a screen, and gradually learning about them in that process, is important for 1684's future.
・CHOOSEBASE SHIBUYA
Start date: April 2026 ~
Business hours: 11:00 ~ 21:00
We will begin deployment at a select shop curated by Seibu Sogo, with the theme of "encountering new brands." We will provide an opportunity for those who were "interested" or "wanted to try it once" to actually hold the products.
・Bloom Marche ~A Day to Enjoy My Time~
Date: April 25, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 ~ 16:00
Location: Morioka Kiokushia Aina 4F
https://www.instagram.com/bloom_marche_morioka/
This marche brings together products and experiences with passion, themed around women's lifestyles and "my time."
・Beauty Marche
Date: May 4, 2026 (Monday) 10:30 ~ 15:00
Location: Shiwa-cho Information Exchange Center
https://www.instagram.com/dai1insyou/
At this marche, which gathers exhibitors related to beauty and lifestyle, we will introduce items suitable for Mother's Day gifts. A talk show about makeup and a lottery are also planned.
Being able to meet directly.
Being able to gradually learn about us in that process.
By accumulating such individual points of contact, 1684 will expand sake culture into a form that can be experienced in daily life.
And beyond that, we aim for a world where sake culture continues into the future.
Company Profile
Company name: 1684 Co., Ltd.
Location: 5 Tachikanai-gawa, Shiwa-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture
Representative: Emi Furukawa
Business overview: Brand creation business centered on the reuse of sake lees, connecting sake culture to the future
Official website: https://1684.jp/
Official LINE account: https://lin.ee/DLMRfJv
Contact for this matter
1684 Co., Ltd.
E-mail: info@1684.jp
FAQ
What kind of brand is 1684 AZUMAMINE?
It is a skincare brand that upcycles sake lees from "Azumamine Shuzo," the oldest sake brewery in Iwate Prefecture, aiming to expand sake culture from "drinking culture" to "lifestyle culture."
What are the features of the new product "Sake Lees Facial Cleansing Soap"?
It is a cold-process facial cleansing soap containing sake lees, characterized by its gentle wash that utilizes the properties of the ingredients.