[Only the Rice Variety is Different] Same Brewery, Same Toji, Same Brewing Process. Comparing "Yamada Nishiki" Sake Rice and "Niko Maru" Table Rice. A 161-Year-Old Brewery Proposes a New Way to Enjoy Japanese Sake.

A Gift of "Yasaka no Sake Kotobuki" in a Wooden Box

Yasaka Brewery Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture, Aisai City / President Eiji Yamada) will launch the "Rice Variety Tasting Set" on July 2, 2026, as a special Ochuugen (midsummer gift) product of its Junmai Daiginjo "Yasaka no Sake Kotobuki (Kotobuki)", allowing customers to compare two different types of rice.

Purchase from the official online shop: https://sake-kotobuki.com

◾️ Why Does the Taste Change Under the Same Conditions?

Allow us to ask a question.

Same brewery

Same Toji (master brewer)

Same brewing process

Same polishing ratio

Yet, the taste changes...

Why?

The answer is the rice.

Polished to 40% "Niko Maru", the rice that ripens.

◾️ Brewing Junmai Daiginjo with Table Rice

"Niko Maru" is table rice that supports Japanese dining tables.

While sake rice is generally used for Junmai Daiginjo, we believed that everyday table rice also holds great potential. Carefully polishing table rice to 40% and brewing it as Junmai Daiginjo presented technical challenges.

Our reason for undertaking this was not solely to brew sake. It is not just sake rice that protects Japan's rice paddies, but also the table rice that supports our daily meals.

"The rice we eat becomes Junmai Daiginjo."

This bottle embodies a new perspective on Japanese rice. For this reason, we have always limited its production and only offered it at special events. This Ochuugen is one of the few opportunities to obtain this particular bottle.

Purchase from the official online shop: https://sake-kotobuki.com

Table rice becomes Daiginjo: "Shokumai Daiginjo"

◾️ The Counterpart: "Yamada Nishiki." A Comparative Tasting Under the Same Conditions.

The other bottle is "Yamada Nishiki," a sake-grade rice representing Japanese sake, which many breweries have long strived to perfect.

This time, we have placed "Niko Maru" alongside Yamada Nishiki as the same "Kotobuki." The individuality of the rice itself becomes apparent precisely because the same brewery brewed them with the same Toji's hands.

Yamada Nishiki offers a rich aroma reminiscent of ripe Muscat grapes and a clear, refined taste. Niko Maru has a soft umami and a gentle sweetness that spreads through the palate. It's not a matter of which is superior. The discovery of how much the character changes with different rice is the value that can only be experienced by tasting them side-by-side.

Wine has a culture of comparing grape varietals. Isn't it time for Japanese sake to have a culture of enjoying rice varietals? This set aims to be an entry point into that culture.

Kotobuki brewed with Yamada Nishiki

Kotobuki brewed with Niko Maru

◾️ What We Are Gifting Is Not Just Sake

"Which one do you prefer?"

It's the time that begins with that simple question.

Savoring the first bottle, then the second.

"I prefer this one."

Conversation and smiles naturally arise.

This product is not simply a set of two bottles of sake.

It is a gift that offers time spent with loved ones.

This summer's Ochuugen is the only time you can simultaneously enjoy two bottles, including "Niko Maru," which is not usually sold commercially.

Therefore, you can convey your thoughtful sentiments by giving a gift that the recipient might not easily purchase for themselves.

Purchase from the official online shop: https://sake-kotobuki.com

An Ochuugen where sentiments are conveyed.

◾️ Ochuugen: A Culture of Conveying "Sentiments," Not Just "Things."

In Japan, Ochuugen is a custom of expressing gratitude at a seasonal turning point and wishing the recipient health and prosperity.

We have continuously considered what kind of sake would be appropriate for this cultural tradition.

The name of the sake is "Kotobuki" (celebration).

The brand name is "Yasaka" (prosperity).

"Kotobuki" is a word that celebrates people's happiness and new beginnings. "Yasaka" is an ancient Japanese congratulatory phrase meaning "to prosper more and more." Both are words that wish happiness and have been cherished in daily life.

Therefore, we believe that sake bearing these names is fitting for an Ochuugen gift.

What we want to propose is not a new type of Japanese sake.

It is a culture of enjoying Japanese sake based on the differences in rice varieties.

Both Yamada Nishiki and Niko Maru have their own unique value.

Understanding these differences is not just about understanding Japanese sake.

It is about understanding Japanese rice.

It is about understanding Japanese agriculture.

It is about understanding Japanese celebratory culture.

"Yasaka no Sake Kotobuki" connects Japanese culture to the future, starting with this single cup.

Understanding Japan, Understanding Agriculture.

◾️ Product Overview

Product Name: Junmai Daiginjo "Yasaka no Sake Kotobuki" Ochuugen Limited Rice Variety Tasting Set

Set Contents:

Yamada Nishiki 100% Junmai Daiginjo (720ml) x 1 bottle Niko Maru 100% Junmai Daiginjo (720ml) x 1 bottle

Quantity: Limited to 100 sets nationwide (will end when sold out)

(Niko Maru is normally not for sale, offered exclusively during this set period)

Polishing Ratio: 40% Alcohol Content: 15% Storage: Refrigerate (always below 10°C, even before opening). Recommended to enjoy in a wine glass. Sales Start Date: From July 2, 2026, to August 15, 2026 Price (Set): 22,000 yen (tax included) + shipping fee (flat rate nationwide 1,500 yen) Delivery: Sagawa Express (cool delivery). Usually ships the day after the next business day from order. Cash on delivery and international shipping are not available. Sales: Official Online Shop: https://sake-kotobuki.com

A Majestic "Yasaka no Sake Kotobuki"

◾️ Company Overview

Company Name: Yasaka Brewery Co., Ltd. (formerly Watanabe Brewery Co., Ltd.)

Location: 83 Michishita, Kusahei-cho, Aisai City, Aichi Prefecture, 496-8015

Founded: Keio 1 (1865) / 161st year of founding. Established December 15, Showa 31 (1956).

Capital: 10 million yen

Representative: Eiji Yamada

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of alcoholic beverages. Brand: Junmai Daiginjo "Yasaka no Sake Kotobuki"

TEL: 0567-28-4361

FAX: 0567-55-8009

Corporate Philosophy

"Toast with 'Kotobuki' at celebrations."

- Connecting Japanese rice culture, celebratory culture, and the future of rice paddies to the next generation through Japanese sake -

Inquiries for Media Coverage and Features

Yasaka Brewery Co., Ltd. (formerly Watanabe Brewery) welcomes inquiries and features from media representatives regarding sake brewing using table rice and models of coexistence with agriculture.

In addition to brewery tours, representative interviews, and product photography, we can also coordinate interviews with contract farmers who grow "Niko Maru," with their cooperation.

We will convey the integrated story from the rice paddy to the sake bottle on-site.

Email: kotobuki@sake-kotobuki.com

TEL: 0567-28-4361

FAX: 0567-55-8009 URL: https://sake-kotobuki.com/