JAPAN Forward 
DASSAI MOON - Made in Space (©Asahi Shuzo)
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What would sake brewed on the moon taste like? To find out, Asahi Shuzo, the maker of the celebrated Japanese sake brand DASSAI, will embark on a groundbreaking experiment by brewing Japanese sake in space this fall.
This world-first initiative is part of the brewery's ambition to explore the future of sake production beyond Earth.
Aiming for Lunar Sake Brewing
According to the plan announced on February 17, this experiment envisions a future when humans live on the moon, and DASSAI is brewed there. The project involves fermenting 520 grams of mash — the core ingredient of sake — aboard Japan's Kibo module on the International Space Station. Fermentation will take place in a specially designed container that simulates the moon's low-gravity environment (1/6 of Earth's gravity). Once the mash returns to Earth, DASSAI will produce a single glass (approximately 100ml) of sake for sale and another for analysis.
The Ultimate Collector's Item
This one-of-a-kind 100ml bottle of DASSAI MOON – Made in Space will be priced at a staggering ¥110 million JPY (approximately $724,800 USD). All proceeds will be donated to future space development projects. With inquiries already pouring in, the buyer will be chosen via lottery in the case of multiple offers.
Special Offerings
In addition to the lottery for the space-brewed sake, the Isetan event will feature exclusive DASSAI products, including:
- Asahi Shuzo's special limited edition of DASSAI Blue, brewed in the United States and
- A limited-release bottle featuring an illustrated label by manga artist Kenshi Hirokane featuring the renowned composer Joe Hisaishi.
DASSAI's Vision for the Future
Ahead of this revolutionary venture, Isetan Shinjuku is holding the DASSAI The Stage event from February 19 to 25. On those days, DASSAI will offer an exclusive opportunity to enter the lottery for the world's first sake brewed in space.
At the press announcement on February 17, Asahi Shuzo Chairman Hiroshi Sakurai emphasized DASSAI's global ambitions. He said,
"Japan must establish itself as a premium brand on the world stage, and sake has the power to do so. This project is also about inspiring young brewers to dream big. Our goal is to achieve annual sales of ¥100 billion (approximately $658 million), and space brewing is just the first step. We invite everyone to join us on DASSAI's bold new challenge."
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Author: Japan Forward
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