The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Justin Potts

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Justin Potts is a co-host of Sake on Air.

The Kokoro Files shares the stories of people and their connection to Japan. This connection takes many forms, and in the case of Justin Potts, it set him off on a life-long quest to learn all there is about nihonshu. A co-host of the amazing Sake on Air podcast, food and beverage entrepreneur and Master of Sake, Justin has plenty of stories to share about his love affair with sake.

Read on to learn about how his journey started, the genesis of Sake on Air and where he feels the industry is going.

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The Otaku Armoury

The Otaku Armoury: Katana’s Soultaker

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The Otaku Armoury puts the spotlight on Japanese weapons in pop culture and a katana that should be recognised for its deadliness is Soultaker. Wielded by the DC comic heroine, Katana, Soultaker is a sword with a mystical origin and tragic circumstances.

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Pop Culture and Japan

Riedel Junmai Sake Glass Review: Perfect For Drinking Complex Nihonshu

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The Riedel junmai sake glass is perfect for drinking compex nihonshu.

The great thing about drinking sake is that it can be enjoyed in numerous vessels. From small ochoko cups to wine glasses, every vessel provides a new experience to enjoy, reflecting the wonderful diversity of nihonshu.

I’ve officially taken my sake geekery to the next level by investing in specially designed glassware that’s perfect for drinking Junmai (pure rice) sake. Crafted by the Riedel Glass Company, the Junmai sake glass really does make a difference when imbibing Japan’s national drink.

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Japanese Cuisine

Lockdown Food Service Review: YaoYao Noodles Solves Ramen Cravings With Awesome DIY Kits

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The Coronavirus pandemic has brought unprecedented disruption to business all over the world. Lockdowns have closed restaurants and bars, forcing the hospitality industry to adapt rapidly to people staying at home. The same situation happened in my home city of Manchester and I was seriously craving some good ramen broth.

The solution? Call on YaoYao Noodles to come to the rescue and deliver a ramen noodle kit.

Continue reading “Lockdown Food Service Review: YaoYao Noodles Solves Ramen Cravings With Awesome DIY Kits” →

Shochu Reviews

Beniotome Red Maiden Black Shochu Review: Earthy, Savoury And Intense

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Beniotome Red Maiden Black is a memorable type of sesame shochu.

If you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone with a unique kind of drink they you can’t go wrong with shochu. Japan’s national spirit is made with a smorgasbord of different ingredients, with one of the most interesting being sesame seeds. 

Beniotome Red Maiden Black is the first sesame shochu I’ve tried and it’s one of the most multifaceted drinks I’ve come across on my shochu journey so far. 

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Pop Culture and Japan

Discover The Wonderful World Of Nihonshu On The Sake Revolution Podcast

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In an age of digital connection, podcasts are an excellent resource for learning new topics. As a fan of sake, I’ve enjoyed listening to the Sake On Air podcast, which regularly covers themes on nihonshu and shochu. But it’s not the only Japanese booze podcast in town. I’d also recommend listening to America’s first sake podcast, Sake Revolution.

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Sake Reviews

Gozenshu 9 Junmai Sake Review: Become A Bodaimoto Believer

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Gozenshu 9 Junmai is made with the ancient production method of bodaimoto.

One of the most exciting aspects of sake is the production method, especially when you begin to see the distinctions in flavour profile between modern methods like the Sokujomoto process and specialist methods like Yamahai.

The most ancient form of sake production is the bodaimoto method, which originated in the 14thcentury and can be traced to Nara. Sake produced in this style brings on unique flavours, which is definitely the case with Gozenshu 9 Junmai. Continue reading “Gozenshu 9 Junmai Sake Review: Become A Bodaimoto Believer” →

Pop Culture and Japan

4 Ways In Which Sake Has Helped My Mental Health

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Discovering new hobbies is a great technique for developing a positive mental health routine and in my case it’s been sake. Since setting off on my journey into the world of nihonshu, I’ve found it’s been a positive experience during times of poor mental health and I wanted to share four ways in which it’s helped.

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Pop Culture and Japan

Shochu Glossary: The Lexicon Of Japan’s National Spirit

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Japan is known for having a unique drinking culture, best represented by sake/nihonshu in the west. But to leave out Japan’s national spirit, shochu, would be a massive disservice to the distillers who work tirelessly to produce one of the most versatile drinks in the world.

Education about shochu and its older cousin awamori is still lacking in western culture. But to help people learn more about it, Yamato Magazine has provided a glossary of essential shochu terms.

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