As Sake Story, a brand that delivers the stories of Japanese sake to the world by IL CUORE, the first introduction is the sake and story of Takano Brewery in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture.

Founded in 1899 in Niigata Prefecture, a region rich in nature with abundant water sources including the nearby Sagata wetland, a Ramsar Convention site, and a migratory hub for swans and other waterfowl.

President Takano's commitment is to brew sake that can win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

"Sake, which is drunk with food, cannot compete with the absolute presence of the food. I want it to be a presence that takes a step back and gently accompanies the meal. Even if it's not flashy, I want to create sake that leaves a lasting impression after you've finished drinking it, making you think, 'That sake was delicious.'" , President Takano said.

To achieve this, it's necessary to ferment slowly and suppress the production of acid, but even though it's less efficient, they are committed to long-term, low-temperature fermentation.

Furthermore, while most sake breweries use "Kyokai yeast" provided by the Japan Brewing Association, Takano Brewery uses its own original yeast, creating a unique flavor that can only be produced at Takano Brewery.

Microorganisms such as yeast and koji mold are essential for sake brewing. They also focus on creating an environment where these microorganisms can thrive.

Although my family business was a liquor store (retail), I myself was ignorant about sake brewing, so I decided to first visit a brewery to learn how sake is made. I was looking for a brewery that offered tours when I found Takano Brewery, and that's how my visit began.

Initially, they were hesitant about doing business with me, but they appreciated our enthusiasm for spreading sake and Japanese culture, and showed me the entire sake brewing process, which they said they "don't usually show."

During the tour, drawing on my own experience of over 20 years in supply chain management, I was impressed by the thorough quality control. Beyond quality control, I also learned about the fusion of tradition and modernization, and how to present it effectively. I still remember feeling confident that we could offer our products overseas.

I am truly delighted to finally be able to introduce Takano Sake Brewery's sake.