Japanese premium sake product launches

Japanese breweries are preparing to launch new premium Junmai Daiginjo sake products in early September 2026.

Yasaka Shuzo announced that its “Shokumai Daiginjo,” brewed using Nikoromai edible rice, will be available for public purchase starting September 2, 2026. The product, previously used only for tastings, will debut at a sake festival in Osaka. The brewery also plans to participate in industry exhibitions and aims to refine its brewing technology by polishing rice to 35% during the upcoming winter season.

Concurrently, Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. scheduled the nationwide release of its “Chotokusen Hakutsuru Tenku Fukurotsuri Junmai Daiginjo” for September 4, 2026. This premium line utilizes a 29% rice polishing ratio and the “fukurotsuri” method, where sake drips naturally from bags. The release includes varieties using Yamada Nishiki rice from Hyogo Prefecture and Hakutsuru Nishiki, featuring artisanal elements such as hand-made koji and bottles designed to resemble a crane's neck.