From "Drinking Culture" to "Lifestyle Culture" for Sake. Sake Lees Skincare "1684 AZUMAMINE" Aims for New Value 【April Dream】

April Dream×1684

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 by-product, and to widely convey the appeal of sake culture.

1684AZUMAMINE Key Visual

Furthermore, by using this initiative as a model and expanding collaboration with sake breweries exploring new endeavors, we aim to invigorate the entire sake industry.

Founding Background

While traditional Japanese sake brewing is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it faces challenges such as a decline in domestic sake consumption, a shortage of successors, and difficulties in ensuring a stable supply of sake rice.

If things continue this way, sake culture itself might shrink. Amidst such a sense of crisis, the initiative of 1684 began with the desire to find a way to expand the value of sake in forms other than "drinking."

Progress So Far

In March 2025, the first product, "1684 AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Lotion," was launched.

By incorporating sake lees extract from Azumamine Shuzo, the formulation is easy to use even for those sensitive to alcohol. Furthermore, by combining sake lees extract with naturally derived moisturizing ingredients, it was developed with a focus on moisturizing power that allows for simple care.

1684AZUMAMINE Brand Concept

"1684 AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Lotion" is sold primarily through our own EC site and the following online channels:

・Official EC 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, wholesale sales are conducted to facilities and select shops around Shiwa-cho. (Details of handling stores: https://1684.jp/Shop)

Furthermore, the initiative was recognized with the Good Design Award in 2025 for its achievement in elevating sake lees, a by-product of sake breweries, into a highly effective cosmetic lotion and connecting previously discarded sake lees to new possibilities in the beauty market.

In addition, we have undertaken community-based initiatives, such as adoption as gifts at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Morioka City and distribution to new adults at Shiwa-cho's "Coming-of-Age Ceremony."

【1684AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Lotion】Good Design Award Winner

To expand business recognition, Representative Furukawa presented at the final screening of the "5th Kitanippon Bank New Business Contest" and was selected as a finalist for "GIRAFFES JAPAN RED TOHOKU 2025."

Moreover, the brand was featured in the sake brewery cosmetics special of the lifestyle magazine "Liniere" (March 2026 issue), attracting attention as sake-derived skincare.

Current Developments

Currently, preparations are underway for the general sale of the second new product, "1684 AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Facial Cleansing Soap."

This product is a cold-process facial cleansing soap formulated with sake lees, characterized by its gentle wash that utilizes the properties of the ingredients.

1684AZUMAMINE Sake Lees Facial Cleansing Soap Key Visual

With the introduction of this product, in addition to the previously launched sake lees lotion, we are progressing with the development of a skincare line that offers a complete regimen from cleansing to moisturizing.

Furthermore, this product was pre-sold through crowdfunding conducted from February to March 2026, receiving significant support.

Moreover, as part of the April Dream initiative, the dream "We want to create a world where sake culture continues into the future" is scheduled to be displayed on Yamanote Line train signage from April 1, 2026.

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 getting to know them, is a crucial time for 1684.

・CHOOSEBASE SHIBUYA

Launch Date: From April 2026

Business Hours: 11:00〜21:00

https://choosebase.jp/

We will launch at a select shop curated by Seibu & Sogo, themed around "encountering new brands." This provides an opportunity for those who were "curious" or "wanted to try it once" to experience the products firsthand.

・Bloom Marche ~A Day to Enjoy My Time~

Date: April 25, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00～16:00

Location: Morioka Kioxia Aiina 4th Floor

https://www.instagram.com/bloom_marche_morioka/

This marche gathers heartfelt products and experiences centered on 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/

This marche features exhibitors related to beauty and lifestyle, introducing items suitable for Mother's Day gifts. A talk show on makeup and a lottery are also planned.

Meeting people directly, not just through screens. Gradually getting to know them through these interactions.

By accumulating such individual touchpoints, 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 Uchikawa, Tsuchidate, Shiwa-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture

Representative: Emi Furukawa

Business Overview: Brand building business focused on sake lees reuse to connect sake culture to the future

Official Website: https://1684.jp/

Official LINE Account: https://lin.ee/DLMRfJv

Contact for this matter

1684 Co., Ltd.