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“Japan Cellar” Launches – Establishing a Global Standard for Sake, Shochu, and Japanese Wine Reviews

via Business Wire

Introducing a New International Review Method from Japan

Hyper-Productive Inc. (CEO: Ayako Horiuchi) today announced the grand opening of “Japan Cellar,” a new review and information platform dedicated to sake, shochu, and Japanese wine, introducing an international evaluation framework for Japanese beverages.

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Background

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Exports of Japanese alcoholic beverages have grown rapidly. The export value of them reached approximately EUR 850 million in 2023—4.5 times higher than in 2014. Yet compared with global wine exports such as France (EUR 11.9 billion) and Italy (EUR 7.7 billion), a significant gap remains.

Japan Cellar was founded on the belief that sake and other Japanese beverages deserve the same structured and globally comparable evaluation systems that have elevated wine worldwide. The platform introduces a score-based framework aligning Japan’s craftsmanship with the analytical language of wine.

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JC BLICU – A New Review Framework

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At the core of Japan Cellar is “JC BLICU,” an original method assessing Balance, Length, Intensity, Complexity, and Uniqueness. This framework offers clarity and consistency for enthusiasts and professionals, helping readers appreciate Japanese beverages through globally recognized criteria.

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Executive Reviewers

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To ensure credibility, three of Japan’s leading sommeliers serve as Executive Reviewers:

- Taku Iguro – Winner, Best Sommelier of Japan 2020; CEO, Tactical Wine Consultant

- Wataru Iwata – Winner, Best Sommelier of Japan 2017; Chef Sommelier of THE THOUSAND KYOTO

- Atsuhide Hoshiyama – Former Wine Advocate reviewer; IWC sake & wine jury; General Manager of Yakiniku House Rengaya

Their expertise bridges wine evaluation logic with the depth of Japan’s beverage culture.

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Vision

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Japan Cellar aims to become the “Wine Advocate for Japanese beverages,” delivering objective, insightful reviews that make sake, shochu, and Japanese wine more accessible to global audiences. As these beverages gain recognition as pairing-friendly alternatives to wine and spirits, Japan Cellar provides a trusted standard for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

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Website

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https://japancellar.com/en/

For more details, please visit our website.

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