Latest news with #Sakurai
Japan Forward
01-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
With a New Name, Dassai Evolves to Take Sake to the World
このページを 日本語 で読む On June 1, sake brewery Asahi Shuzo will officially change its name to DASSAI, aligning the company's corporate identity with its globally recognized flagship sake. It's a symbolic move, but one that speaks volumes about the company's ambitions. CEO Kazuhiro Sakurai reflects on the brand's evolution in an exclusive interview with JAPAN Forward. He outlines its push into international markets and the company's commitment to redefining the potential for Japanese sake. Dassai CEO Kazuhiro Sakurai at the Tokyo Bar Show. (©JAPAN Forward) For Sakurai, the decision to rename the company isn't just about branding. It's about conviction. "As we expand globally, we want to go forward not as Asahi Shuzo, but as DASSAI," he explains. "When people hear 'Asahi Shuzo's DASSAI,' it sounds like DASSAI is just one brand among many. And if DASSAI doesn't do well, they might assume we'll just switch to another brand. But that's not who we are. We're committed to DASSAI. Even if we fail and need to try something different, we'll do so under this name." Such clarity and purpose have come to define DASSAI's identity. At its core, the brand is about pushing boundaries. "Japanese culture can be very conservative. There's often a belief that tradition must stay the same," says Sakurai. "But I believe tradition has to evolve. Culture only survives if it changes. That involves risk. You try, fail, correct your course, and try again. That's what we've done with sake. And I believe it's part of a larger pattern whereby Japan's traditional industries have helped shape our culture through the same cycle of repetition and refinement." That drive to evolve — and occasionally stumble — is also how DASSAI has managed to thrive internationally. The company is now one of the few Japanese sake brands with widespread global recognition. But as Sakurai relates, it hasn't been easy — and the road ahead won't be either. "There are two big challenges," he says. "The first is logistics. Sake is a brewed alcohol, like wine, but it's far more sensitive. Premium sake needs to be stored at or below five degrees Celsius and is best consumed fresh. Wine, on the other hand, often benefits from aging and can be stored at higher temperatures. That difference changes everything — how we ship, store, and present the product." Dassai CEO Kazuhiro Sakurai at the Tokyo Bar Show (©JAPAN Forward) The second challenge is how people perceive sake itself. "Many people outside Japan still see sake as something you only drink hot and only with sushi," he says. "That image is deeply ingrained, and it's limiting." Even in the United States, sake accounts for just 0.2% of the alcoholic beverage market. In Europe, it's even less. Changing those perceptions, Sakurai says, will take time — and a lot of glasses poured. So, how do you shift the world's view of sake? "There's no perfect strategy," Sakurai says with a smile. "We just want people to try it. When someone takes a sip of DASSAI and smiles, that's the beginning. It's about building fans, not just customers. And it's also about constantly talking with our partners overseas: What works? What doesn't? Let's adapt. It's a cycle of trial and error." Among DASSAI's lineup, DASSAI 23 stands out as its signature expression. It's also especially dear to Sakurai. "It started as something of a marketing challenge," he says. "My father wanted to make the most highly polished sake in the world. At the time, that meant reducing the rice grain to just 23% of its original size." Initially, some saw it as a gimmick. But as the team refined their brewing methods, they discovered something special: unmatched clarity, elegance, and depth. Dassai CEO Kazuhiro Sakura is also sharing tasting opportunities at Tokyo Bar Show. (©JAPAN Forward) "We believed in it, even when others didn't. Experts told us that polishing beyond 50% wouldn't make a difference. But we kept going. And now, 23 is everywhere for us — the date of our US sake brewery opening, our car license plates, even our wedding dates. For us, it's a significant number." This philosophy extends to DASSAI's taste profile: clean, refined, but never lacking in complexity. "There are what you might call 'sake connoisseur' opinions out there," Sakurai says. "But that's not what we focus on. To us, great sake is simply great — something anyone can easily appreciate. Our goal is to craft a sake that's both immediately delicious and endlessly rewarding, revealing new depths with every sip." More than anything, Sakurai wants people to feel happy when they drink DASSAI. "Yes, it's alcohol — people get tipsy. But it's more than just that. It connects people, enhances food with its flavor, and brings a sense of joy to the heart. That is our mission. Culture alone isn't enough if it doesn't bring happiness." With CEO Kazuhiro Sakurai, Dassai team members and friends, all at Tokyo Bar Show. (©JAPAN Forward) That idea — that culture and joy should go hand-in-hand — also fuels DASSAI's international mission. "We're not just exporting a product. At the heart of what we do is a desire to share Japanese craftsmanship and values with the world. We hope our journey, with all its challenges and missteps, can inspire other Japanese creators in fields like craft, cuisine, or art to take on their own bold challenges. Sakurai is quick to add that changing Japan's internal mindset is just as important as winning over global markets. "There's still this idea that Japanese things are for Japan only, that they don't need to change, or that change would dilute them. But I think Japanese craftsmanship has real potential overseas. We shouldn't shy away from that." He adds, "At the same time, we still have to keep evolving if we want to see that potential fully bloom. I hope that resonates with people." So, what does he want to see change? "I want people to break out of the old image: that sake can only be drunk hot, and only with Japanese food. It can be paired with oysters, ceviche, carpaccio, even blue cheese or dried mango. At sushi restaurants, it's become common to see wine or whiskey served. And yet, outside of Japanese cuisine, sake is still rarely chosen. " Dassai CEO Kazuhiro Sakurai at the Tokyo Bar Show. (©JAPAN Forward) With that, Sakurai returns to his central message: evolution. "Whether it's art, music, or literature, what survives is what changes. Even sake. As Dassai continues to evolve, it won't just be for ourselves. It's a journey we hope will inspire others in Japan." "We'll make mistakes," he says, "but we won't run away. That's why we're changing our company name. DASSAI is who we are. And we're taking it to the world." Dassai (formerly Asahi Shuzo Co Ltd) cooperated in the publication of this report . Author: Daniel Manning このページを 日本語 で読む
Japan Times
24-04-2025
- Japan Times
Hokkaido fisher to hold memorial service for tour boat accident victims
A local fishing operator in Hokkaido is preparing to hold a shipboard ceremony to remember people involved in the fatal tourist boat sinking off the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula in the prefecture three years ago. Kenji Sakurai, a 61-year-old fisher in the town of Rausu, volunteered his time to search for passengers and crew members who went missing when the Kazu I sightseeing boat sank on April 23, 2022. The incident left 20 people on board dead and six others still unaccounted for. "All we have left to do now is to pray for good weather on the day," Sakurai says, having completed almost all preparations to hold the event in July around where the boat went under. Sakurai instantly decided to organize the offshore memorial service when he saw photos recovered from a 34-year-old Kazu I passenger's digital camera he stumbled across when visiting the peninsula with some of his friends during the Bon holiday period in August last year. About 700 photos were recovered from the camera owned by the man from Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. Of them, around 80 were taken on the day of the accident, with some featuring other Kazu I passengers. On his way home, many things went through Sakurai's mind, including the tearful faces of bereaved family members who boarded tour boats with other passengers to visit the site and statues of the Goddess of Kannon dotted around the peninsula due to many marine accidents in the area. The discovery of the camera more than two years after the sinking was "a message sent from those who died," Sakurai said. A digital camera belonging to one of the passengers on the sunken Kazu I boat was found off the tip of Shiretoko Peninsula in August 2024. | Courtesy of Kenji Sakurai / via Jiji The biggest obstacle in organizing the event was money. Along with friends who joined efforts to find items belonging to the victims, Sakurai asked for donations in a video uploaded to YouTube in October last year. Money sent from across Japan totaled some ¥13 million, exceeding the initial goal of ¥10 million. When Sakurai visited a local government office to complete the necessary paperwork, including filing for permits for port use, an official there offered full-fledged cooperation. The ceremony will be held on either July 12 or July 13, depending on the weather and sea conditions, with 43 members from bereaved families scheduled to attend. Participants will board two leased tour boats and offer floral tributes around what is believed to be the sinking point near Kashuni Falls. They will also land on the northern part of the peninsula, where many items belonging to the victims were found. "I want (the participants) to pray (for the victims) so they don't have any regrets," Sakurai said. On Wednesday, on the third anniversary of the Kazu I sinking, a memorial service was held in the town of Shari in Hokkaido. During the service, about 120 participants, including bereaved families, observed a moment of silence shortly after 1 p.m., when the incident is believed to have occurred. Shari Mayor Hiroaki Yamauchi said that the local community will reassess what needs to be done to make the Shiretoko area attractive and "build safety step by step." "Our biggest mission is to ensure (tourists') safety," said Katsunori Nojiri, head of the Shiretoko Shari-cho Tourist Association. "We'll work to ensure that people can enjoy nature and sightseeing without worrying." An altar was set up at the ceremony venue, where many Shari residents laid flowers. Among them was Toichi Sugiura, 63, who worked for an affiliate of the Kazu I operator and offered support to bereaved families at the time. "Three years have passed in the blink of an eye," Sugiura said. "I want to make sure that it (the incident) will not be forgotten with each passing year." "Nature has its risks," said Gen Terayama, 58, a tour guide. "Business operators are tasked with addressing the risks in a sincere way." At a news conference in Tokyo Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that the government will "continue to work hard to ensure the safety of passenger ships so that tragic accidents will not happen again." Over the incident, Seiichi Katsurada, president of the boat operator Shiretoko Yuransen, was arrested by the 1st Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in September last year for alleged professional negligence resulting in death. He was indicted by the Kushiro District Public Prosecutor's Office the following month. Katsurada is also facing a civil lawsuit filed by the bereaved families. During a court hearing, he has denied his responsibility for the incident.
23-04-2025
Hokkaido Fisher to Hold Memorial Service for Tour Boat Accident Victims
Sapporo, April 23 (Jiji Press)--A local fishing operator in Hokkaido is preparing to hold a shipboard ceremony to remember people involved in the fatal tourist boat sinking off the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula in the northernmost Japan prefecture three years ago. Kenji Sakurai, a 61-year-old fisher in the town of Rausu, volunteered his time to search for passengers and crew members who went missing when the Kazu I sightseeing boat sank on April 23, 2022. The incident left 20 people on board dead and six others still unaccounted for. Getting almost all jobs done to hold the event in July around where the boat went under, Sakurai says, "All we have left to do now is to pray for good weather on the day." Sakurai instantly decided to organize the offshore memorial service when he saw photos recovered from a 34-year-old Kazu I passenger's digital camera he stumbled across when visiting the peninsula with some of his friends during the Bon holiday period in August last year. About 700 photos were recovered from the camera owned by the man from Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. Of them, around 80 were taken on the day of the accident, with some featuring other Kazu I passengers. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
Japan Times
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
The man who helps Japanese figure skaters stay sharp
In a country renowned for its sword-making tradition, Kimitaka Sakurai is focused on blades of a different sort. The 41-year-old will serve as the official skate sharpener for Japan at the upcoming ISU World Team Trophy, the last competition of the 2024-2025 figure skating season, which takes place from Thursday to Sunday at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Skate sharpening is not a lucrative endeavor, but Sakurai has been doing it full time for 14 years, and he is a master at his craft. He now gets customers of all ages — between 2 and 90, to be exact — and skill levels from all over Japan. He estimates he sharpens about 2,000 pairs a year. His style? 'I stick to the basics. Unless there is a specific request, I don't do anything fancy,' said Sakurai, a former figure skater who used to compete nationally before switching to his behind-the-scenes role. And don't expect him to pat himself on the back if one of his clients reaches the top of the podium. 'A blade is only a blade. It's equipment. No matter how great of a job a sharpener does, it's not going to make someone a better skater. My job is to achieve consistent sharpening results and help people skate with blades that are right for them. If a skater performs well, I can't take credit for that.' Still, the need for well-maintained blades is pretty clear: Elite figure skaters perform jumps, spins, turns and other physics-defying moves, all while balancing on a blade just 4 millimeters thick. Regular sharpening is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and reducing the risk of injury on the ice. According to Sakurai, even very tiny changes to the sharpness of the blades can make a huge difference in the way a skater feels on the ice — which is why customer satisfaction is a top priority. Sharpening a pair of skates takes Saukrai about 20 minutes. It can sometimes be done solely by a machine, but may require additional work by hand. | Mai Yoshikawa Sakurai's clients include Olympic medalists Mao Asada, Shizuka Arakawa and Daisuke Takahashi, as well as young elite skaters Rio Nakata, Ami Nakai and Rinka Watanabe. When he's not working for the national team, Sakurai is in charge of boots and blades at Ice Space, a group of full-service figure skating equipment, apparel and maintenance stores where he first started part time as a college student. He works six days a week, mainly in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, where he is the store manager. Sakurai believes there are only about 10 physical shops, including three run by Ice Space, in Japan that offer a custom sharpening service for figure skates, which makes him a rare breed. Figure skaters competing at the national level get their skates freshly sharpened once every two to three weeks, but Sakurai says how often athletes need to sharpen their skates depends on factors such as skating style, skating frequency and ice conditions. 'Skate blades are like kitchen knives. A dull blade gets the job done but takes more effort. Sharpening is essential if you want the best performance,' Sakurai said. 'Sushi chefs sharpen their knives daily, whereas home cooks might wait until there's a problem. The frequency of knife use and knife sharpening varies from person to person. It's the same with figure skates.' 'For some skaters, the sharper the blades, the easier it is for them to jump, but that's not necessarily true for everyone. For example, Mao-chan isn't a fan of super sharp blades,' he said, referring to retired three-time world champion Asada. 'There's no one-blade-fits-all in figure skating.' Sakurai admits skate sharpening can become repetitive at times, but says the sense of responsibility keeps him going. | Mai Yoshikawa Sakurai's rates are either ¥2,200 ($15.37) or ¥3,300 per pair, depending on whether it's done solely by a machine or requires additional work by hand, which involves smoothing out imperfections using a sharpening stone. The entire process takes about 20 minutes. Most skaters need a bit of an adjustment period after having their skates sharpened, so Sakurai says it's best to get them sharpened a week or two before competition. Sakurai admits skate sharpening can become boring and repetitive at times, but there's a reason he doesn't want to quit. 'I think it's the sense of responsibility that keeps me going. There are people who choose to get their skates sharpened by me. I can't let them down,' Sakurai said. 'Whether they're recreational or advanced level skaters, I put the same amount of energy into my work. I take pride in my job, but it's really the skaters who are doing the heavy lifting. I know that because I was once a skater.'
Forbes
11-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Catbird Brings Its Signature Jewelry Experience To Chicago
Catbird's store on Armitage Ave opened this week. Catbird, the Brooklyn-based fine jewelry brand known for its delicate 14-karat gold pieces and cult-favorite welded bracelets, is bringing its distinct brand of intimacy and craftsmanship to the Midwest. On April 10th, the company opened its first Chicago store in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood, marking its ninth retail location nationwide and a key step in its measured expansion. Founded in 2004 in a small storefront in Williamsburg, Catbird has always placed physical retail at the heart of its brand identity—even as it grew a strong online presence. Mo Sakurai, CEO of Catbird, sees this next phase of retail growth as deeply tied to the brand's origin story. 'The history of the brand and the brand DNA is really rooted in brick and mortar,' she said. 'When I first started, we had two stores. Now we're at eight and about to open Chicago, which will be our ninth.' While online continues to make up the largest share of sales, in-person experiences remain central to how customers discover and fall in love with the brand. Sakurai describes jewelry as a category that naturally lends itself to tactile, immersive experiences—something Catbird leans into heavily with its store design and offerings. 'Jewelry is really such an immersive experience,' she explained. 'There is very much a customer who wants that in-store shopping experience—to try the jewelry, feel the weight and scale. And for them to do that in our stores, they really fall in love with the brand.' Catbird's Chicago store is located at 904 W Armitage Ave. The new Chicago location is on Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park, a neighborhood matching the brand's aesthetic and community. The brand has had this exact neighborhood on its list for a while and knew it was time when the right spot became available. It is one of many direct-to-consumer trendy brands on the street, including Gorjana, which is right across the street, and a popular California-based jewelry brand. The street hosts other trendy brands like Rothy's, Jenni Kayne, and Buck Mason. Other new openings include Rails, a contemporary clothing brand, and Foxtrot 2.0, a redo of the market that abruptly closed last year. Each Catbird store is designed to feel layered and personal. Filled with vintage furnishings and styled to encourage exploration, the retail spaces invite visitors to discover the brand in a tactile, almost home-like environment. The idea is customers can either style themselves or work with the staff. Along with the core jewelry collections, the stores feature in-person exclusives like the permanent bracelet welding service, a signature Catbird offering. The welding service involves welding a delicate gold chain around the wrist to be worn permanently. 'What's amazing about that is we have friends who come in as a group every year and add on a new bracelet. We have mothers and daughters that come in and get that together. It's really a bonding experience—a milestone experience,' shared Sakurai. Additional offerings at the store include design services for personalized charm bracelets and necklaces, in-store soldering of heirloom pieces, and wedding ring consultations with designs that reflect Catbird's understated and distinct point of view. To celebrate the Chicago opening, the brand is planning a festive weekend featuring a pizza party, gift bags, and a store-exclusive tote inspired by a local Chicago cub. In keeping with tradition, a limited-edition charm will also be released. 'We always do a special charm for each new store opening,' Sakurai said. 'When we opened Los Angeles, it was a pumpkin charm. In Georgetown, we did a cherry blossom. For Boston, it was a swan boat. Our customers really get excited about these.' Catbird's stores feature vintage furniture and decor, highlighting the brand's unique style. At the end of the day, brands need to provide unparalleled experiences for consumers. McKinsey released a report late last year stating, 'Consumers are returning to in-store shopping at pre-pandemic levels across much of the world, but retailers need to remind shoppers what they love about the in-store experience. That starts with well-trained staff who are empowered to assist and inspire customers.' Even though so much has improved in physical retail, there's an extra need for loyalty given today's economic uncertainty. While Catbird's e-commerce business continues to grow, its stores offer its loyal community connection, which digital can't. 'We definitely target areas where we trade higher in online traffic—these are communities that already have a base of Catbird customers who are familiar with us and who are eager to come in in person,' said Sakurai. 'When we opened our Los Angeles store, we heard multiple stories of customers driving three hours just to come visit. It's really exciting to be able to connect with customers, but especially with longtime customers in person.' But it's not just longtime fans who benefit. Catbird stores are also powerful acquisition tools, especially in walkable neighborhoods with substantial foot traffic. For brands like Catbird, which have a strong online presence, opening a store in a key market like Chicago not only deepens loyalty but also introduces the brand to entirely new audiences. Catbird's stores allow customers to either try on jewelry independently or with the help of a ... More stylist. Following the Chicago store opening, Catbird plans to open locations in Atlanta and Philadelphia later this year. Looking longer term, the brand is aiming to open two to three new stores per year, but always with a sense of purpose and restraint. For now, the focus remains domestic, with each potential market evaluated for both online engagement and in-person community fit. On the product side, Catbird continues innovating through collaborations—an area where the brand takes a hands-on, authentic approach. Most recently, the company teamed up with musician and TikTok star Maye, who brings a distinctive, jazz-influenced aesthetic and a deeply engaged following. 'She has a really fanatical engagement on TikTok and a beautiful point of view in terms of her personal style,' Sakurai said. 'The accessories she advocates for are often inspired by her wardrobe. Partnering with an artist like that is a really impactful way for us to introduce ourselves to a new community of jewelry lovers.' These collaborations, exclusive in-store experiences, and location-specific products help Catbird differentiate itself in a competitive fine jewelry market. As Sakurai shares, 'We have such a long history, and we are such an authentic brand. We do have a wonderful, loyal community—and our stores are a place for that community to grow.'
