Kengo Suzuki, President of Tsunan Sake Brewery, had a conversation with Kenchi Tachibana of EXILE about the application of generative AI and biotechnology in the sake industry. The discussion is featured in the December issue of Discover Japan (pages 114-115), released on November 6, 2024, under the segment titled “Kenchi Tachibana’s Tonight’s Sake.” The dialogue explored the potential for creating new value in sake through smart brewing and the introduction of new technologies, as well as the prospects for global expansion.
The discussion focused on creating new value for sake through smart brewing and the potential for global expansion.
Key Points
- Smart Brewing:
- Tsunan Sake Brewery has developed a “Smart Brewing” system that integrates generative AI with the brewery’s traditional craftsmanship and research data.
- This system not only aims for sustainable sake production but also addresses the challenge of passing down brewing techniques to future generations.
- Utilization of Generative AI and Biotechnology:
- President Suzuki shared his method of using powdered Euglena in the fermentation process, which has shown to enhance the aroma of ginjo sake.
- The use of generative AI helps generate ideas for developing new types of sake, including those focused on anti-aging benefits.
- Digital Sensory Evaluation:
- The brewery has implemented a sensory evaluation system using a device called “ProfilePrint,” which quantifies eight characteristics of aroma and taste.
- The AI-generated evaluation results closely match those of professional sake tasters, indicating potential for future applications.
- Challenges in the Global Market:
- Tsunan Sake Brewery aims to increase its competitiveness in the global market, highlighted by winning a gold medal at “Kura Master 2024” in Europe with the “GO GRANDCLASS Uonuma Koshihikari Edition.”
- The company plans to use a scientific approach to showcase the appeal of Japanese sake, with the goal of expanding its market share internationally.
The webpage for the 2024 December issue of Discover Japan, titled “Rice and Fish,” can be found here: https://discoverjapan-web.com/article/135602.