Official web site of Fukushima Pref. 【FUKUSHIMA SAKE】
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Discovering Sake Ware

Fukushima's Designer Sake Ware

Just as Japanese cuisine is enjoyed for its beautiful presentation,
sake is also best appreciated with the right vessel.
Fukushima, a renowned sake region, is home to many attractive sake wares, and part of the fun is choosing from the wide variety.
Why not find your own special favorite
in Fukushima?

  1. Porcelain

    IKKON Guinomi Set

    A design for savoring sake and enjoying taste comparisons.

    IKKON is a new line of sake ware that utilizes the traditional "Nijuyaki" (double-walled) technique, a characteristic of Ohori Soma Ware, which has been passed down in the Obori district of Namie Town since the Edo period.
    At first glance, the three types of guinomi cups look the same, but the inner curves of their double walls are actually designed with different shapes.
    The "Round" cup offers a mellow taste, the "Narrow" cup allows you to enjoy the changing notes, and the "Straight" cup provides a full, direct flavor. Even with the same sake, each cup brings out a different texture, aroma, and taste.
    The lid of the wooden box can also be conveniently used as a tray!
    Why not try a taste comparison tonight and savor the subtle changes in the sake's flavor?

    Official Website

  2. Lacquerware

    NODATE

    Enjoy Sake with Sustainable Outdoor Lacquerware.

    Created by Seki Bikodo with the desire for people to enjoy lacquerware casually, the "NODATE" series features Aizu-nuri lacquerware. It is named after "Nodate," the tradition of open-air tea ceremonies in Japan.
    While often seen as a luxury item, lacquerware is lightweight, durable, and portable. Its character deepens with use, and it has antibacterial properties, making it ideal not only for daily use but also for the outdoors.
    It is a sustainable vessel that can be used for a long time; even if it cracks or chips, it can be repaired with kintsugi (golden joinery) or be relacquered. Enjoy Fukushima sake with casual lacquerware, whether you're out and about or at home!

    Official Website

  3. Glass

    Guinomi Pair from Seki Shikkiten

    A New Aizu-nuri Born from the Collaboration of Glass and Lacquer.

    Aizu-nuri, a lacquer craft originating in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, has been passed down since the Muromachi period.
    The guinomi from Seki Shikkiten is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, featuring lacquer applied to the inside of the glass and patterns etched by sandblasting. While it was once considered impossible to apply lacquer to glass, the passion and skill of artisans have given birth to this modern and light vessel.
    The guinomi, adorned with dancing cherry blossoms, has a gorgeous appearance that adds to the excitement of drinking a special sake.

    Official Website

  4. Pottery

    Ochoko from Kinone Koubou

    Simple, Warm Sake Ware for Your Everyday Table.

    Seto-machi in Aizu Hongo is known as the home of the oldest pottery in the Tohoku region.
    Along the narrow streets branching off from a townscape that retains its Showa-era atmosphere, there are 13 kilns that carry on the tradition of Aizu Hongo Ware.
    "Kinone Koubou," run by the Sato couple, is characterized by striped "shinogi" patterns carved with a potter's plane and "etsuke" paintings of charming motifs like plants and animals. They create new Aizu Hongo Ware daily that suits modern times, leveraging their individual artistic styles.
    The vessel, with its warm feel from the white matte glaze and "shinogi" patterns, is sure to enhance the deliciousness of a full-bodied sake.

    Official Website

Point! The perfect pairings for sake and sake ware

The flavor of sake changes depending on the shape and material of the vessel.
Here, we introduce four types of sake and recommended pairings for sake ware!

Aromatic and Flavorful Types like Ginjo

Tulip-shaped or balloon-shaped glass or crystal vessels with a narrow mouth are excellent for enjoying the aroma.
When enjoying it at room temperature, vibrant lacquerware is also recommended.

Crisp, Dry, Light, and Smooth Types

Cool-looking glass or crystal, or simple blue bamboo vessels are recommended.
Tin or titanium can keep the drink cold, making them perfect for sharply chilled summer sake.

Rich and Full-Bodied Types with a Distinct Umami of Rice

Warm-feeling pottery is a good match. It's also perfect for menus featuring autumn delicacies.
Serving it as nurukan (lukewarm sake) to bring out the umami is recommended!

Aged Types with a Mellow Texture and a Beautiful Golden or Amber Color

Transparent brandy or liqueur glasses, or white porcelain, are recommended to accentuate the beautiful color.

Styling & Text / Miwa Ishikawa　Photo / Miwa Kumon