Sake Festival

Monday, February 11th was the annual sake festival in my town. The weather was sunny and cold. Perfect weather really for warming the body and soul with some crisp and refreshing nihonshu. The crowd seemed larger than last year, which is promising for the local economy. It was great to see rosy-cheeked men and women relaxing in the sun on this national holiday. We met quite a number of people from Fukuoka City who had made the trip down for the day.

After downing 6 cups for 500 yen in the central park, a Czech friend and I headed back to the small Meiji Era sake factory near my house. Here the crowds were smaller, but the mood was high as the factory's owner played bass in a Ventures cover band, while patrons snacked on udon noodles and drank the ol' "rice wine." We picked up some bottles of shinshu (new sake) and headed back to my house to sample more of the fermented rice beverage in cozier conditions.

Work the next day was a bit of a struggle, but it was worth it. I'm already looking forward to next year's festivities. 

And speaking of sake, if you have a moment why don't you check out our lovely Japanese sake sets in our pottery shop.
 
Also, check out the latest addition to our pottery shop,  this stunning Japanese Ikebana vessel from Kyousen Kiln. Such a mesmerizing combination of form and color.  

Dave