World-Renowned Potter Shiro Tsujimura Discusses Creative Philosophy and 'ZUI': New Video Series 'ZUI Premium Interview' Launches

Hayakoma Line Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kobe, Hyogo; President: Shinji Watanabe) will launch 'ZUI Premium Interview' on Sunday, June 7, 2026. This video series records and disseminates the thoughts and philosophies of the creators who have supported the 'ZUI' sustainable luxury sake project, which was established to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of Kobe Port.

A total of six episodes are planned. For the inaugural episode, the series welcomes world-renowned potter Shiro Tsujimura as a guest. The content will be released sequentially on the official YouTube channel, Instagram, and the brand's website.

'ZUI' is more than just a sake brand; it is a 'Cultural Succession Project' that weaves Kobe's history, culture, art, and people's thoughts into the future. Shinji Watanabe, President of Hayakoma Line—who leads the rediscovery of regional resources and new cultural dissemination in Kobe Port—acts as the interviewer. He explores the backgrounds of the creators, the feelings they put into their work, and their resonance with the 'ZUI' project.

[First Guest: World-Renowned Potter Shiro Tsujimura]
In this interview, Mr. Tsujimura speaks about the origins of his creation, his dialogue with clay, and the essence of beauty. He also delves into the meaning behind the calligraphy of the character 'Ne' (Zodiac Rat) on the ZUI label, his encounter with the Minatogawa Tunnel (a Modern Industrial Heritage site), and the background of the 'Kuro-sakazuki' (black sake cup) created exclusively for this project. Mr. Tsujimura states, 'Pottery is not something to be simply admired; it is essentially the beauty of utility.' Transcending the boundaries of ordinary sake vessels, he pursued a 'sakazuki' with an extremely thin rim.

[What is 'ZUI SAKE 2020 Ne Aged 5 Years'?]
This is a special sake slowly nurtured over five years in the silent, stable environment of the Minatogawa Tunnel. Formerly Japan's first modern river tunnel that protected Kobe from floods, it is now a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. This project is a collaboration between Hayakoma Line Co., Ltd., Kobe Shushinkan Co., Ltd., the Friends of Minatogawa Tunnel Preservation, and Hyogo Prefecture, aimed at supporting cultural property preservation and regional heritage.

Release Schedule and Guests (6 episodes planned):
- Episode 1: Shiro Tsujimura (Ceramics) *Releasing June 7
- Episode 2: Hitomi Nagamatsu (Gallery Subaru)
- Episode 3: Hiroshi Kado (Kamisoe)
- Episode 4: Takeshi Yasufuku (President, Kobe Shushinkan Co., Ltd.)