Sake On Air

If you’ve listened to Sake on Air before, you know every single episode kicks off with Chris saying, “…all the culture and history and…” That line was actually born in our very first recording session, cut from an explanation about exactly what hooked him into sake. It’s a philosophy we live by on the show, but today, we’re exploring it in a remarkably unique way. We’re reporting on an event held earlier this year at the JSS Information Center that viewed sake culture through the vibrant, witty

Shuki, or sake vessels, are more than just cups for serving sake. They add another layer of enjoyment to the drinking experience, and come in a remarkable variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. As you use them they come to have their own meaning and special value as well. In this episode of Sake on Air, Miho explores the fascinating world of sake cups with Japanese pottery expert Robert Yellin, from everyday drinking vessels to those used in special rituals. From his pottery gallery in Kyoto,

In this episode Sebastien Lemoine, John Gauntner, and Chris Hughes (and Frank Walter) interview Jacky Royer about sake, food, and travel in Shizuoka. Jacky works at Shidaizumi and runs a land operator tour business for French-speaking visitors to Japan. We learn about his origins studying library science in Tokyo, how he came to brew sake, and much much more. As always, if you have questions or comments, please do share them with us at questions@sakeonair.com or send us a message on our Instagr

Awamori is a traditional spirit from Okinawa with a history of over 500 years, yet it remains little known outside Japan. In this episode of Sake on Air, Miho interviews two Okinawa-based drinks professionals, Madoka Numata and Maurice Dudley. They talk about about places visitors can explore in Okinawa—particularly in the capital city of Naha—to taste, learn about, and experience awamori, along with its rich culture and history. As always, if you have questions or comments, please do share the

Following up on our Izakaya 101 episode, Frank, Cindy, and Chris share some of their favorite sake focused restaurants and watering holes. Cindy took on Kyoto, Chris led the Tokyo discussion, and Frank filled in the gaps with off the wall picks from places in between. Our rollicking discussion bounces around all of the archipelago, and it’s hard to imagine someone who has visited every place on our list. Here are all the izakaya talked about on the show. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?m

Cindy leads a year-long discussion about sake events with fellow hosts Sebastien, Chris, and Frank. They talk about many of the main sake events that are happening or have happened this year. They talk about the large events like the Niigata Sake no Jin and small events like the various Kurabiraki that are held throughout the country. (Kurabiraki are when a sake brewery or group of breweries opens their doors to show people inside the brewery and sell the first sakes of the year.) Their conversa