Touken Ranbu game fans help save quake-hit Kumamoto brewery
After an online post from the 12th-generation owner of the brewery lamenting unsold sake went viral, fans rushed to buy sake from them that is associated with the video game.
Yamato, a city in Kumamoto Prefecture, was hit by a powerful earthquake on July 28 that caused widespread disruption. One of the most affected businesses was the century-old Tsujun Shuzo sake brewery, which typically sells over 1,000 bottles of its main junmai ginjo sake, Semi. However, the quake led to a sharp drop in orders from wholesalers and a cancellation of reservations for about 500 people at a café attached to the brewery.
The brewery's owner, Yasuo Yamashita, expressed concern for the sake known as Hotarumaru, which is named after a character from the popular Japanese video game Touken Ranbu. The game's fans, recognizing the connection, rushed to purchase Hotarumaru, saving the brewery from financial ruin. Within days, the online sales site ran out of the popular sake, and all employees worked together to fulfill the orders.
Each bottle was sent with a heartfelt note of gratitude, emphasizing the importance of community support during difficult times. Despite the challenges, Yamashita remains determined to continue operating the beloved brewery with the help of his devoted fans.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
