Celebrating 30 Years of Nakahara Chuya Memorial Museum

The Nakahara Chuya Memorial Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special collaboration between the long-established Nakashimaya Sake Brewery, which has been in operation for over 200 years, and renowned manga artist Hiroyuki Asada. This collaboration has resulted in the release of a limited edition sake titled “Nakashimaya: Kogaretsuchimatta Kanashimi ni…” on November 11, 2024.

About Nakashimaya Sake Brewery

Nakashimaya Sake Brewery, located in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is highly regarded both domestically and internationally, having won awards at prestigious sake competitions. The brewery uses locally sourced rice from the Tokuchi region of Yamaguchi, ensuring the highest quality in their sake production. The sake is brewed using underground water sourced from the brewery’s own grounds, which contributes to its delicate and smooth flavor profile.

Collaboration with Nakahara Chuya Memorial Museum

The Nakahara Chuya Memorial Museum, located in the heart of Yuda Onsen, was established in 1994 at the birthplace of the famous poet Nakahara Chuya, known for his works such as “Circus.” The museum showcases valuable materials, including handwritten drafts and diaries, allowing visitors to explore the poetic world of Chuya. Currently, the museum is hosting a special exhibition titled “Asada Hiroyuki Exhibition – ‘Nemuri Usagi’ and Chuya, and New Picture Books” as part of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, running until January 26, 2025.

Design by Hiroyuki Asada

Hiroyuki Asada, a manga artist from Kanagawa Prefecture, debuted in 1986 with a special issue of Monthly Shonen Jump. His notable works include “BAD da ne Yoshi-kun!”, “I’ll – Aru -“, and the anime adaptation “Tegami Bachi”. He has also contributed character designs for the 2019 anime adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s “Dororo”. Asada has been inspired by Chuya’s works and life, creating numerous pieces that reflect this influence.

History and Achievements of Nakashimaya Sake Brewery

Founded in 1823, Nakashimaya Sake Brewery has maintained a commitment to quality sake production for nearly 200 years. The brewery has participated in various international sake competitions, achieving numerous accolades, including:

• 2019: IWC Junmai Sake Category – Gold Medal for “Kanenaka Namamoto Junmai”
• 2020: IWC Junmai Sake Category – Trophy for “Kanenaka Namamoto Junmai Yamada Nishiki”
• 2021: IWC Aged Sake Category – Regional Trophy for “Kanenaka Namamoto Junmai Daiginjo Aged”
• 2023: Kura Master Junmai Sake Category – Gold Medal for “Kanenaka Namamoto Junmai Super Dry”
• 2024: Kura Master Junmai Daiginjo Category – Platinum Award for “Nakashimaya Junmai Daiginjo”

Product Information

Product Name:Nakashimaya: Kogaretsuchimatta Kanashimi ni…
Type:Sake
Volume:720ml
Ingredients:Rice (Yamaguchi Prefecture), Rice Koji (Yamaguchi Prefecture rice)
Rice Variety:100% Yamaguchi Prefecture Yamada Nishiki
Alcohol Content:16%

For more information, visit the official websites ofNakashimaya Sake BreweryandNakahara Chuya Memorial Museum.