Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tsunan Town, Nakauonuma District, Niigata Prefecture; President and CEO: Kengo Suzuki, hereinafter “Tsunan Brewery”) is pleased to announce that on Saturday, May 24, 2025, President Kengo Suzuki (Dr.Kengo) delivered a guest lecture as a part-time instructor for the “Entrepreneurship” course at the Graduate School of Industrial Technology (Professional Graduate School), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology.
The course, aimed at both working professionals and students directly entering from undergraduate programs, served as a platform to bridge academia and industry by offering real-world insights into startups and business innovation. Drawing from his academic background—holding doctoral degrees in both agriculture and medicine—as well as his leadership in revitalizing Tsunan Brewery, Dr.Kengo presented on the theme of “Reviving and Advancing Existing Businesses through Scientific Knowledge.”
Lecture Overview
Dr.Kengo began by introducing the challenges faced by Tsunan Brewery, located in Tsunan Town, one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas, and explained how scientific approaches were applied to create new value. Examples included leveraging the snow-covered environment for low-temperature aging, microbial control, and stable fermentation in a snow-covered cellar—highlighting the fusion of nature and technology.
He then discussed the brewery’s efforts to integrate AI technologies with fermentation science, a concept known as “smart brewing.” The use of AI models to analyze sake aroma and flavor quantitatively, along with initiatives to restructure management resources and manufacturing processes using generative AI, captured the keen interest of students.
The lecture also introduced Tsunan Brewery’s ongoing research on the intersection of sake and healthcare. Focused on functional ingredients such as ergothioneine and agmatine found in sake, the company is exploring their potential in aging suppression and wellness promotion. This has led to the development of supplements and innovative products. Dr.Kengo also touched on futuristic challenges such as the “Lunar Sake Brewery” project, applying fermentation technologies to space exploration—offering a multifaceted perspective on the topic.
Discussing business development, Dr.Kengo emphasized the importance of local partnerships with rice farmers, brand renewal, and overseas expansion. He showcased products like the “GO GRANDCLASS,” made with 100% Uonuma Koshihikari rice, and the sparkling sake series known for its balance of sweetness and acidity—both recognized as high-value products in domestic and international markets.
Dr.Kengo concluded by underscoring the vital role of professionals who combine scientific expertise with business acumen in revitalizing regional industries and traditional technologies. He encouraged aspiring innovators to consider careers that, like his own, bridge university-launched technology ventures with global and community-oriented business creation.
Tsunan Brewery remains committed to pioneering next-generation manufacturing and contributing to regional revitalization through innovative challenges that combine local resources and scientific advancements.
[Reference] Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Graduate School of Industrial Technology – Admissions Policy
This program aims to foster engineers, researchers, and business leaders who can meet industrial needs and strategically apply technology seeds in industry based on knowledge in technology management. The program seeks individuals who:
- Have acquired scientific and technological knowledge through research and development experience, possess knowledge of technology management, and aim to pursue R&D positions or doctoral studies after graduation.
- Aspire to manage or plan strategic product development and commercialization and seek to acquire relevant skills and knowledge.
About Tsunan Sake Brewery
Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. is a sake brewery based in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture—one of Japan’s most prominent snow regions. The brewery uses pristine natural water sourced from 2,000-meter-high mountains and locally grown sake rice varieties such as “Gohyakumangoku” and “Uonuma Koshihikari.” Tsunan Brewery’s philosophy centers around the fusion of nature and innovation, embodied in its brand concept: “Brew for Future – Brewing a Coexistent Future.” In 2025, the brewery was awarded the prestigious Niigata Governor’s Prize (1st Place) at the Echigo-style Brewing Technology Championship.
https://tsunan-sake.com/
