Dassai: From Yamaguchi’s Craftsmanship to American Dassai blue

1. The Story of Dassai – A Revolution from Yamaguchi

“だっさい（Dassai）” is one of Japan’s most renowned sake brands, produced by Asahi Shuzo in the quiet countryside of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Once a small local brewery surrounded by rice fields, Dassai transformed itself into a global symbol of Japanese craftsmanship. Its name, meaning “festival of otters,” reflects both playfulness and the brewery’s philosophy of bringing sake out of the shadows and into the world.

2. The Art of Polishing – The Heart of Dassai’s Perfection

At the core of Dassai’s excellence lies the art of rice polishing（磨き）. The brand’s signature numbers — 23, 39, and 45 — indicate how much of each grain remains after polishing. For example, “Dassai 23” means that only 23% of the rice grain is left, removing impurities to achieve a pure and elegant flavor.

This polishing process is not merely about precision — it’s about pursuing beauty in simplicity. Dassai’s philosophy is often described as “making sake that people truly enjoy, not just sake that follows tradition.”

3. Tradition Meets Technology – The Power of Mechanization

While Dassai respects the centuries-old tradition of sake brewing, it also embraces machine automation（機械化） to ensure consistent quality. Every step — from rice washing to fermentation control — is precisely managed using sensors and data analysis. This blend of human intuition and mechanical precision allows Dassai to maintain its delicate taste across all batches, regardless of the season.

Founder Hiroshi Sakurai once said, “We don’t fear machines — we use them to express human passion.” This belief has made Dassai a pioneer in merging craftsmanship with modern science.

4. Dassai Blue – Bringing Yamaguchi Spirit to New York

In 2023, Asahi Shuzo opened Dassai Blue in New York, marking a bold step into the global stage. This new brewery, inspired by Yamaguchi’s original Dassai, produces sake using American-grown rice and local water, while preserving the Japanese spirit of “永遠の磨き” (eternal polishing).

The name “Blue” symbolizes both the color of innovation and the vast ocean connecting Japan and the U.S. It represents Dassai’s vision — to share the heart of Japanese sake with the world while continuously refining its techniques.

5. Why Dassai Captures Global Hearts

Dassai is now found in Michelin-starred restaurants, fine dining venues, and casual bars alike. Its popularity stems from its clean aroma, balanced sweetness, and universal appeal. The machine-based brewing system ensures purity and stability, while the soul of Yamaguchi’s nature remains in every sip.

From the delicate Dassai 23 to the approachable Dassai 45, each bottle reflects the brewery’s belief: “Sake should make people smile.”

6. Dassai Beyond – The Pinnacle of Refinement

For enthusiasts, Dassai Beyond stands as the ultimate expression of Japanese sake. Every detail — from rice selection to polishing and fermentation — is handled with near-obsessive precision. The result is a sake so smooth and fragrant that it rivals fine champagne. It’s more than a drink; it’s a celebration of time, patience, and perfection.

7. Dassai’s Message – “Keep Polishing, Keep Evolving”

From Yamaguchi’s hills to New York’s skyscrapers, Dassai’s journey continues. Its message is simple yet powerful: “Keep polishing — both rice and spirit.” In every stage of its process, Dassai reminds us that true beauty lies in constant refinement, whether through craftsmanship or technology.

8. SEO Keywords (for English Content)

Targeting these keywords can help improve international visibility for Japan’s sake culture, especially when linking to related topics like “Yamaguchi travel,” “Japanese dining,” or “Michelin sake pairing.”