SAKE blog
Published: 2023.12.22
Last modified: 2026.10.26
An experimental project to renovate Sake comes to launch a new product : Gekkeikan Studio no.4
Gekkeikan Co., Ltd (President:, HQ Fushimi-ku, Kyoto) launches a new product, Gekkeikan Studio no.4 (720ml), from its series of Gekkeikan Studio, a project to commercialize experimental Sake during the period of research and development.
A total of 500 bottles come on sale on 6 October through its online store (https://www.gekkeikan-shop.jp), and at a boutique store at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (月桂冠大倉記念館).
Gekkeikan Studio no.4 was performed to especially attract non-frequent drinkers with its low alcohol content. Being low in alcohol, it maintains unique characters of Sake. Thanks to its authentic satisfying flavours, this Sake can also attract Sake lovers who have health concerns on alcohol intake.
Product information
flavours and characters
5% Sake with elegant and clear flavours brought by an appropriate balance of sweetness and acidity. Normal Sake contains around 15 % of alcohol, however this product has as low as 5% of alcohol, similar to that of beer. Keeping alcohol content low, the research team aimed to express Sake flavours rich in umami of rice and clear aftertaste.
Behind Research
Seeking to develop Sake with authentic Sake characters but at a low alcohol, the project had a collaboration with KAORIUM for Sake, AI system for Sake Sommelier, developed by SCENTMATIC Inc. KAORIUM for Sake was used to analyse samples of Sake both in aroma and flavours and express them in words to visualize what elements in Sake supported as typical components, followed by tasting tests by frequent drinkers. Preferred aroma and scents from the selection were selected to produce Gekkeikan Studio no.4.
KAORIUM for SAKE is an AI system that has learnt more than 10 K flavours, sensibility data and sommeliers’ sensibility. It expresses Sake in clear words thanks to the natural language processing.
Packaging
Label embraces a message of soothing flavour brought by an appropriate balance of sweetness and acidity and a refreshing image as if it spreads over the mouth. The image of light waves gradually going up expresses the lightness of the product with its 5% alcohol.
Product overview
Product name：Gekkeikan Studio no.4
Size：720ml bottle
Sales Price：3,300 yen（Tax incl.）
Alcohol： higher than 5%, lower than 6%
Taste：Lightly sweet, Lightly rich
No. of bottles sold：500 bottles
Launch date： 6 October 2023
Gekkeikan Studio, an expexperiment to innovate Sake
Gekkeikan Studio, a project to share with customers experimental Sake at the level of research and development to introduce the possibility of the future of Sake, and to bring their feedback to the production development to co-create the future of Sake.
This project includes “Studio” in its name as the word ‘studio’ means research, workshop and atelier. The name contains the hopes of the project to interact with customers to flexibly adapt the products to respond to customers’ needs.
Gekkeikan Studio Project page
https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/gekkeikan-studio/
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000062.000047755.html
President & CEO, Kobayashi Junzo Shoten Co., Ltd.
Based in Osaka, I lead Kobayashi Junzo Shoten, a sake wholesaler founded in 1890. Through the cultural richness of Japanese sake, my mission is to connect people and bring smiles to dining tables around the world.
While technology continues to make the world feel smaller, the stories and traditions behind sake brewing can easily fade into the background. I see my role as a bridge—sharing the passion of brewers, opening doors for new audiences, and delivering sake in a way that feels more approachable and relatable.
I enjoy visiting sake breweries, learning about new rice varieties and brewing techniques, and spending time with toji (master brewers) and kurabito (brewery workers) to experience the spirit of sake-making firsthand. On this blog, I’ll share those encounters, my personal insights, and tips to help you enjoy sake even more.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you.
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