Becoming a Kuramoto with Junichi Masuda of Tsukinokatsura

Sake On Air

We are always thrilled to be joined by special guests here at Sake On Air, but it is rather rare that we have a chance to interview a 15th-generation kuramoto. This week we’re thrilled to share our recent interview with Junichi Masuda, newly appointed CEO of Tokubee Masuda Shoten, makers of Tsukinokatsura, a brand of which we are all collectively huge fans.

This week our regular hosts Rebekah Wilson-Lye and Sebastien Lemoine speak with Masuda-san about his sake brewery: Tokubee Masuda Shoten – a historical innovator in the industry – their brand “Tsukinokatsura”, and what changes we can expect to see with his new vision for the company. On a more personal note, we get to hear about what it’s been like to have grown up as part of such an iconic brewing family, the unique pressures, and exciting opportunities.

Of course, we also dive into Kyoto, or Fushimi to be precise, where the brewery is located, and the brewery’s connection to the sake community there. Whether it is involvement in local events, being part of the Fushimi Sake Association, or organizing rice planting and harvesting activites for the local community, the Masuda family’s dedication to the region has us excited for where Masuda-san plans to take the brewery in the years ahead.

With big events including the 60th anniversary of nigori sake (which the brewery is responsible for creating!) in 2024, as well as the brewery’s 350th anniversary in 2025, there are plenty of good reasons for Tokubee Masuda Shoten to celebrate.

As always, let us know what you think about this week’s episode of Sake On Air and of course, we do hope you go out of your way to experience Tsukinokatsura sake here in Japan or abroad!

You can of course follow the brewery on their Instagram for all updates and some beautiful footage of the brewery. We also hope you don’t hesitate to get in touch with us in case you have any sake or shochu-related thoughts or questions via [e-mail] and rate us on the podcast service of your choice while you’re at it. At the same time, if you’re looking for updates @sakeonair, you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.
Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. The show is brought to you by Potts.K Productions with audio production by Frank Walter. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air.