Since 2015, the weeklong sake-making workshop at , one of Sado Island¡¯s sake breweries, has attracted aficionados from across the world, drawn by the unique opportunity to delve into the hard work of brewing.
Sadly, this year fifth-generation brewery owner Rumiko Obata had to cancel the popular workshop. Sake-making is a close-quarters affair, not ideal for social distancing and, of course, she also has to take into account the safety of her Niigata Prefecture island community. ¡°I am holding online tours of the brewing process at the moment, however there is so much one misses out on by not being there in person,¡± she says.
2020 is proving to be a tough year for breweries. While private consumption of Japan¡¯s alcoholic beverages may be unaffected, the drop in international visitors and those dining out has resulted in a massive decline in sales to restaurants and drinking establishments that has deeply affected sake breweries across the country.
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