This week on Sake On Air, host Cindy Bissig is joined by special guest host Julian Houseman to welcome back a familiar voice: Tom Wilson, co-founder and head brewer of Kanpai, the UK’s first sake brewery! They recorded their conversation at Julian’s sake bar, Sake House, in Umeda, Osaka.

Listeners may remember Tom from “Episode #73: Future of Sake with Les Larmes du Levant & Kanpai London”, where he joined us for a lively conversation alongside Grégoire Boeuf. Now, several years later, Tom returns to share exciting updates from the Kanpai camp.

In this episode, Tom reflects on his recent collaboration with a sake brewery in Nara, giving us a peek into the inspiration and process behind this unique Japan-U.K. brew, which will soon be available in both countries.

He also offers insight into Kanpai’s evolving philosophy and what’s been happening at their new home in London Bridge, where they continue to experiment, grow, and celebrate all things sake. And for a special treat, Tom brought along a bottle of Kanpai’s 2021 vintage “Kura” sake, which was enjoyed during the recording—and let’s just say, it didn’t disappoint.

Tune in to hear how the international sake scene continues to evolve, and what it means to brew Japanese sake with British roots.

Join us for a special English / Japanese bilingual rakugo performance: https://jss-event16.peatix.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://sakeonair.substack.com/

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air.

We’re back with another episode of Sake On Air, and this week we’re trying something a little different! A casual catch-up session with our regular hosts, so you can get to know them better!

In this episode, Cindy Bissig, Frank Walter, and Miho Ota talk about their recent experiences at the Tokyo Sake Challenge, their visit to Japan’s very first sake ice cream shop, and what exciting events and episodes are on the horizon. Plus, Arline Lyons shares about her role as a judge for the IWC and her big move to Japan!

Whether you’re curious about sake’s presence in Europe, passionate about cultural exchange, or just love hearing from people doing bold things in the sake world, this one’s for you.

We’d love to hear what you thought about the episode! Let us know at [email protected] or send us a message on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

We’re back with another episode of Sake On Air, and this week we’re headed to Spain – where sake is making some exciting moves!

In this episode, our hosts Cindy Bissig and Sebastien Lemoine sit down with Mayuko Sasayama, sake educator, author, and the driving force behind Iberkanpai, the first sake and Japanese gastronomy fair on the Iberian Peninsula.

We talk about how Mayuko’s journey into the world of sake began, her passion for connecting Japanese food and beverage culture with new audiences in Spain, and what inspired her to create Iberkanpai. With the inaugural event just around the corner in Madrid (held on the 12th and 13th of May 2025), she shares with us what to expect and why this moment is so meaningful for the future of sake in Spain and beyond.

Whether you’re curious about sake’s presence in Europe, passionate about cultural exchange, or just love hearing from people doing bold things in the sake world, this one’s for you.

We’d love to hear what you thought about the episode! Let us know at [email protected] or send us a message on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

We’re back with a brand-new episode of Sake On Air and this week, we’re bringing you behind the scenes of a special event – a sake-themed photo exhibition hosted by the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center.

For one week, starting February 12th, the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center showcased the work of three international photographers: Anat Parnass, Anna Petek, and Cindy Bissig. Their stunning images highlighted the beauty of sake breweries and the craftsmanship behind Japan’s iconic drink.

We took this opportunity to speak with Anat and Anna, along with some of the visitors who attended the exhibition. Unfortunately, due to heavy snowfall, Cindy was unable to join the conversation, but Miho Ota sat down with the other two photographers to discuss their passion for photographing sake breweries, their sources of inspiration, and what makes the world of sake so fascinating through their lens.

Tune in to hear their stories and gain a new perspective on the artistry of sake!

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know at [email protected] or send us a message on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo.

Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

Our hosts, Sebastien Lemoine and Frank Walter made their way west to the little spot in Hachioji called Sake Dozo Kitchen. (Which is why the audio sounds a bit funky at times, apologies!) Started in February 2024 by fellow sake lovers David Cheek and Miwa Wag, the second floor restaurant is a delightful place to find your own sake language.

The conversation winds through Dave’s and Miwa’s personal sake histories and what prompted them to open up their own kind of sake restaurant in Hachioji. We also talked about sake tasting competitions, judging sake, and how to find your own way to describe the flavor of sake and how it makes you feel.

How do you describe the sake you like? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know at [email protected] or send us a message on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack!

In other news, we have a newsletter! Subscribe here: https://sakeonair.substack.com/

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo.

Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

We’re back with a brand-new episode of Sake On Air, and this week, we’re doing things a little differently! Not an interview, not a deep dive into a trendy topic—just pure sake myth-busting.

In this episode, three of our regular hosts, Arline Lyons, Rebekah Wilson-Lye, and Sebastien Lemoin come together to tackle some of the most persistent misunderstandings surrounding sake. From the belief that sake is a distilled spirit to the common (but incorrect!) practice of drowning tiny sake cups like a shot, we’re setting the record straight.

Surprisingly enough, many of these myths aren’t just widespread overseas but are also common in Japan. So if you’ve ever wondered what’s fact and what’s fiction in the world of sake, this episode is for you!

Did we miss a myth? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know at [email protected] or send us a message on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack!

In other news, we have a newsletter! Subscribe here: https://sakeonair.substack.com/

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

Hold your breath, Osaka—there’s a new sake bar in town!

After much anticipation, Julian Houseman has taken the leap and opened Sake House in Osaka!

For those unfamiliar with Julian, he is a long-time friend of the Sake On Air team – a voice behind the scenes, a sake industry journalist, and a brilliant musician among his many other talents. Now, he’s bringing his passion for sake to life with his very own venue, creating a space where sake lovers can gather, explore, and enjoy the incredible world of Japan’s iconic beverage in a small intimate setting just a stone’s throw away from Umeda Station.

In this week’s episode, John Gauntner and Cindy Bissig sit down with Julian to talk about Sake House. From the logistics of opening a sake bar to the passion that drives it, they dive into what it’s like to stock the fridges, line up the glasses, turn on the music, and finally open the doors to the public.

Of course, if you’re visiting Osaka, we highly recommend stopping by Sake House – not only for its stellar selection of sake but also for Julian’s expert guidance in helping you find the perfect pour. Whether you’re a seasoned sake enthusiast or just discovering it for the first time, Julien is there to navigate you through the experience.

Join us as we celebrate this exciting new addition to Osaka’s sake scene!

In other news, we have a newsletter! Subscribe here: https://sakeonair.substack.com/

If you have questions or comments share them with us at [email protected] or head over to our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack as we would love to hear from you!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

For the final episode of our Sake 101 mini-series we dive into the 2,000 years of history of sake. Cindy Bissig and Chris Hughes explore the evolution of sake, not just as a beverage, but as a key part of Japanese culture. This is the perfect way to wrap up the season with a look at how sake became what it is today.

Sake is deeply woven into Japan’s history, and sake history is really Japanese history. It is hard to pack centuries of events into a 30 minute episode, so this episode is a distilled version of the history of sake. We’ll be making deep dives into the history of sake later this year. This episode is intended to be a great starting point for sake beginners and an insightful listen for those who already know a thing or two.

We hope you have enjoyed our Sake 101 series, and that you will stick around for more Sake on Air! If this is your first time tuning in, don’t forget to check out our previous episodes covering more sake basics like temperature, tasting tips, and food pairings!

In other news, we have a newsletter! Subscribe here: https://sakeonair.substack.com/

If you have questions or comments share them with us at [email protected] or head over to our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack as we would love to hear from you!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

As our Sake 101 miniseries continues, we’re diving into one of the most debated topics in the world of sake: hot vs. cold sake! 

Beyond just personal preference, the temperature at which sake is served can completely transform its flavor, aroma, and overall experience. But with so much conflicting information out there, it’s easy to get confused and then there is the old myth that only bad sake is served hot—is there any truth to that?

Join our hosts for this episode Cindy Bissig and Chris Hughes as they break it all down, exploring why some sakes are meant to be served warm while others are best enjoyed chilled. 

So whether you’re a fan of warm sake on a chilly evening or love sipping a crisp, cold glass in the summer, understanding the role of temperature can take your sake appreciation to the next level.

If you have a favorite way to enjoy warm or cold sake, we’d love to hear about it and if you have questions or comments share them with us at [email protected] or head over to our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook we would love to hear from you!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air. 

We are continuing our Sake 101 series with a dive into sake pairing. Cindy Bissig sits down with Chris Hughes to discuss why sake is one of the best beverages to pair with food. They examine just how versatile and exciting sake can be, and spoiler alert – Sake does not just pair wonderfully with Japanese food, it also has the power to transform dishes from all around the world.

Chris explains how sake isn’t just to be paired with sushi (!) it can enhance flavors across a wide range of global dishes and can really be a game-changer at the dinner table. From umami-rich pairings to surprising combinations with Western and international foods, they uncover what makes sake such a fantastic choice at the dining table.

Chris also shares his top tips and tricks for achieving the perfect food and sake pairing and he talks about some of his most memorable pairing experiences.

If you have discovered an amazing sake and food pairing we’d love to hear about it! Share your favorites with us on Instagram or Facebook and join the conversation !

As always, if you have questions or comments please do share them with us at [email protected] or head over to our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook we would love to hear from you!

We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air.