Fukushima City is buzzing with excitement as the Iino Town Development Council recently unveiled its newest creation: the "Sora Tobu Enban" sake, or "Sky Flying Celebration", as part of their ambitious New UFO Town Project. On December 16, the council hosted a presentation to celebrate the completion of this unique sake, crafted with the concept of bringing the universe closer to home.
The Sora Tobu Enban sake boasts the original "Utsukushima Dream Yeast", presenting itself as a cloudy sake inspired by cosmic themes. The master brewer, Wakuo Saito of Kanmizukushi Brewery, admitted he was initially taken aback by the request from the Iino Development Council, who sought to create something unprecedented. They encouraged him to craft "a sake where the universe could be seen and the galaxy could spread out". It’s certainly not your everyday brewing request!
Utilizing advanced brewing techniques, Saito made sure to ferment the yeast at low temperatures, allowing the sake's sweetness to bloom delightfully, creating a taste unlike any other. According to Saito, the hope was to brew something "that no one has ever drunk in space before". This playful notion of space exploration ties beautifully with the lore of UFOs, making the release of this sake particularly special.
The launch event was as imaginative as the sake itself. A UFO-shaped craft, named "Venture Spacecraft", appeared dramatically to the audience, hidden until the end of the reveal. To summon this otherworldly vessel, attendees joined together, chanting the whimsical phrase, "Venture, Venture. Space, People. Here is Iino Town" three times. Talk about making your dreams come true!
The members of the Iino Town Development Council have high hopes for this creation, wanting it to resonate with both locals and visitors alike. The sake perfectly embodies their vision—an enjoyable beverage evoking the beauty of the cosmos. Council president Ryuuichi Aso remarked, "It’s sweet, fruity, and absolutely delicious. You won't believe it's from Earth." Such testimonials surely add to the allure of the Sora Tobu Enban.
Starting December 26, this celestial potion will be available for purchase at three locations, including the famed UFO Product Pavilion situated right within Fukushima City. For 2500 yen, you can own this 720ml bottle, which embodies not just flavors but also the spirit of community and creativity from the region.
With the Sora Tobu Enban, the city of Fukushima is not just promoting its local drinks, but also embracing its quirky UFO lore to forge connections among people. The initiative shows how tourism, culture, and creativity can coalesce around the joys of drinking and celebrating what makes life extraordinary. If you're anywhere near the area, this is one limited-edition sake you won’t want to miss!