Stylish corner shop and liquor store near Kyoto Station [SiZUK-Sakenoshizuku-]
The store's owner personally visits sake breweries across the country and stocks carefully selected brands.
It is popular among young people and foreign tourists as you can enjoy tastings starting from just one glass for a fee.
The owner, Mr. Sasaki, also holds sake events and holds sake study groups to convey the appeal of sake to a wide range of generations, saying, ``I want to create a place where people can meet and enjoy alcohol.''
This time, we interviewed [SiZUK] about their sincere efforts towards sake.

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SiZUK-Sake no Shizuku- Director Kazuma Sasaki

Profile

Gained various experiences over 15 years at restaurants in Kyoto. At the same time, he launched the ``MASU PROJECT'' to spread the culture of sake. In November 2022, we will open the corner liquor store “SiZUK”. His family runs a tuna shop at the Kyoto City Central Market.

1. Enjoy sake casually at the stylish counter

-It's a very stylish store.
First of all, why did you decide to open a store?

Mr. Sasaki: ``I wanted to let a lot of people know that there are many different breweries all over the country and that there are many delicious sakes.I especially want young people who are not familiar with sake to know about it, so feel free to stop by. We designed the exterior and interior to be inviting."

-How many types do you have on hand?

Mr. Sasaki: ``We have about 80 varieties. We purchase directly from the 15 breweries we do business with, and we also have a selection of alcoholic beverages that you don't usually see.It changes depending on the season, so you can compare the drinks.''

-Why was it made into a square shape?

Mr. Sasaki: ``If it's a restaurant, you can sample the product before purchasing, but for regular customers, you don't have to taste it.It's like a one-shot bet. We wanted to make it so that people can sample it and buy the flavor they like. You can also use it like a sake bar."

The refrigerated case is lined with 4-go sizes. They thought that a XNUMX sho bottle would be too big for their refrigerator at home.

2. I want you to taste lesser-known famous sake

We asked Mr. Sasaki what brands he recommends.
He says he visits all the sake breweries he does business with.
They want to convey to customers not only information about alcohol, but also the passion for alcohol and the personality of the brewer.
Mr. Sasaki: “I would like people to try rare and famous sake that is not often found in Kyoto.”

Returning to farming 2 KINO, Junmaishu, 720ml glass 600 yen
Motosaka Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Mie Prefecture), alcohol content 16%, rice polishing ratio 65%

Based on the concept of ``all industry comes back to agriculture,'' they have been particular about rice production, and have revived the sake rice ``Ise Nishiki,'' said to be the ancestor of Yamada Nishiki. The mellow flavor of rice is expressed, and you can enjoy a gentle and sophisticated taste.

Hagi Nishiki Kimoto Junmaishu 720ml glass 500 yen
Haginishiki Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Shizuoka Prefecture), alcohol content 15%, rice polishing rate 65%

A famous sake made using the time-consuming and time-consuming traditional manufacturing method, ``Kimoto-zukuri''. Light and soft with a warm taste. You can drink it deliciously at room temperature or hot. Perfect as a drink with meals.

Mr. Sasaki: ``This is a rare sake that is rarely distributed, as it was created by a young couple working together.It's nice that it goes well with the food.The two creators say it's a ``cool sake.'' Ta".

Pure Sama Junmai Ginjo 720ml glass 500 yen
Ariga Brewing Joint Stock Company (Fukushima Prefecture), alcohol content 14%, rice polishing ratio 50%

Good balance between the rich flavor and the lingering aftertaste. The beautiful sweetness and luster produced by koji are impressive. Even if you don't have any food, you can enjoy it to the fullest with alcohol alone.

Mr. Sasaki: ``We are a brewery that brews world-class sake with the motto of ``a lifetime of stylish intoxication''.We produce sake that has a good aroma and taste, but is not heavy, and that everyone will find delicious! I think so.”

LIBROM Lemon Verbena, other brewed liquors, 500ml, glass 600 yen
LIBROM Craft Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Fukuoka Prefecture), alcohol content 9%, rice polishing ratio 92%

A craft sake made with the herb lemon verbena from Fukuoka Prefecture. It has a natural sweetness derived from rice and a refreshing sourness, making it a pleasant drink. It is popular among women because of its herbal aroma and low alcohol content.

Mr. Sasaki: ``Craft sake is a hot topic right now, but it's not widely available in Kyoto.If you're not familiar with sake, I'd like you to give it a try.We also have other craft sake that uses flavors such as cacao. there is".

3. Unique side dishes that go well with local cuisine and sake

-Sake drinks are also available.

Sasaki: ``We serve sake side dishes from popular restaurants in Kyoto, such as ``Meat Miso Bari Bali Green Pepper'' and ``Japanese Pepper Tapenade,'' as well as regional dishes.Both the alcohol and food in the photo are from Fukushima Prefecture. I think the moderate aroma of Japanese pepper and the soft texture of the alcohol make for a very compatible combination."

The menu also includes seasonal ingredients from the Kyoto City Central Market, which is his parents' home, which is something to look forward to.

Pickled herring and sansho pepper・500 yen
A typical local dish of Aizu, made by marinating fatty, lean herring in a sauce based on soy sauce and mirin with Japanese pepper. The combination of refreshing Japanese pepper eliminates the fishy odor and creates a flavorful finish.

Hirotogawa, special pure rice, 720ml glass 500 yen
Matsuzaki Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Fukushima Prefecture), alcohol content 15%, rice polishing ratio 55%

As Mr. Sasaki says, ``It's a sake that comes straight to the center and grabs the drinker's heart.'' The aroma is subtle, the flavor is just right, and the taste is smooth and approachable. Apparently there are many recommendations from liquor store owners.

4. Spreading sake to the younger generation in a new way

―What kind of activities are you involved in with the sponsored “MASU PROJECT”?
``We are participating in the nationwide Sake Go-Around event held in conjunction with Sake Day on October 10st, and will continue to be involved in 1. In Kyoto, where I was in charge, the event was a success thanks to the cooperation of 2023 exhibiting stores and breweries.
Last fall, we held a new type of event where we rented out a club and enjoyed music by a DJ, drinks, and food. We will continue to expand our reach and reach out to generations that are not familiar with sake. ”

-It's been over a year since you opened, but what are your plans for the future?

Sasaki: ``I believe that Japanese sake, which Japanese people have been familiar with since ancient times, is ``national sake.''However, consumption is now lower than before, and the generational change has not been successful among brewers, so they are going out of business. There are quite a few breweries that sell Japanese sake.We want to convey the appeal of Japanese sake and support young brewers.Eventually, we are thinking of making shochu as well.''

Ten years ago, at the age of 10, Sasaki encountered local sake with a ``beautiful taste'' and fell in love with sake. I guess this shop is a great place for such encounters.