Scene at the YOKOHAMA SAKE SQUARE venue
The Japanese sake tasting event “YOKOHAMA SAKE SQUARE 2025” is being held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (1 Shinminato, Naka-ku, Yokohama) on July 12 and 13, where visitors can enjoy local food and music along with regional sake. The event is organized by Yokohama FM Broadcasting and ZIP-FM, with support from the Kanagawa Prefecture Sake Brewers Association.
This year, 22 sake breweries from Kanagawa and the greater Tokyo area are participating, offering tastings of 65 different sake brands, including four breweries making their debut. The food booths feature eight vendors such as “TSUBAKI Shokudo” (Yokohama), “Otsukemono Kei” (Kawasaki), and “Hungry Tiger” (Yokohama), serving dishes like grilled gyoza, local fried horse mackerel, and domestic sirloin steak—perfect pairings with sake.
During the event, DJs from FM Yokohama will play music as “corner DJs,” while stage MCs will conduct interviews with sake brewers from participating breweries.
Admission is free, but participation requires purchasing a “Starter Set” (same-day tickets: ¥3,800). Sake and food are purchased using a coin system. This year, a rest period from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM has been introduced to prevent heatstroke. Alcohol consumption requires wearing a wristband and age verification.
Event hours are July 12 from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM and July 13 from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
YOKOHAMA SAKE SQUARE
Yokohama Sake Square is a cultural facility in Yokohama, Japan, dedicated to showcasing the history and craftsmanship of Japanese sake. Located in the historic Kanagawa Prefecture, it offers tastings, exhibits on sake production, and insights into Yokohama’s role as a brewing hub since the Meiji era (1868–1912). The site celebrates both traditional techniques and modern innovations in sake-making.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historic cultural and commercial complex in Yokohama, Japan, originally built in the early 20th century as customs buildings. After surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923), the warehouses were repurposed in 2002 into a vibrant shopping, dining, and event space while preserving their iconic red brick facade. Today, they are a popular tourist destination, blending modern attractions with the city’s port history.
Kanagawa Prefecture Sake Brewers Association
The Kanagawa Prefecture Sake Brewers Association is an organization representing local sake producers in Kanagawa, a region with a rich brewing history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It promotes traditional sake-making techniques, supports breweries, and highlights Kanagawa’s unique sake varieties, such as those using the local “Yamada Nishiki” rice. The association also works to preserve the cultural heritage of sake production in the prefecture.
TSUBAKI Shokudo
TSUBAKI Shokudo is a charming, small eatery in Japan known for its home-style Japanese cuisine and cozy atmosphere. While specific historical details are limited, it reflects the tradition of *shokudo* (casual diners) that have long served affordable, comforting meals to locals. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, staying true to Japan’s culinary heritage while offering a welcoming space for community dining.
Otsukemono Kei
“Otsukemono Kei” refers to a traditional Japanese pickle shop or brand known for its *tsukemono* (pickled vegetables), a staple in Japanese cuisine. These pickles have a long history, dating back centuries, and are often made using methods like salt-pressing, fermentation, or vinegar brining. The shop or brand likely preserves regional recipes, offering flavors that reflect local ingredients and cultural traditions.
Hungry Tiger
The Hungry Tiger is a historic diner and bar located in Manchester, Connecticut, known for its classic American comfort food and lively atmosphere. Established in the 1960s, it became a local landmark, famous for its burgers, wings, and vibrant nightlife scene. Over the decades, it has maintained its reputation as a beloved spot for both dining and entertainment.
FM Yokohama
FM Yokohama (呼号: JOKV-FM) is a commercial radio station based in Yokohama, Japan, broadcasting since 1990. It is one of the first FM radio stations in the city, offering a mix of music, news, and local information, with a focus on the Greater Yokohama and Kanagawa area. The station reflects Yokohama’s vibrant cultural scene and has played a role in promoting local events and artists.
ZIP-FM
ZIP-FM is a Japanese radio station based in Gifu Prefecture, known for its popular music programming and local community engagement. Launched in 1991, it serves as a key media outlet in the region, broadcasting a mix of J-pop, international hits, and local news. The station plays a role in promoting regional culture and events while maintaining a youthful, energetic vibe.
