Tenkyo Brewery (Fukuchi Town, Fukuoka Prefecture) has released Koharu (小暖), a brewed alcoholic beverage made with locally grown Amaou strawberries, through its official online shop starting March 23. The product brings together two local producers united by a shared philosophy of craftsmanship over efficiency.
A Collaboration Born from Local Connections
Tenkyo Brewery operates under the brand Aru Yoi, based in Fukuchi Town, Fukuoka. Rather than optimizing for productivity or mass production, the brewery takes a deliberate approach — working closely with local water, regionally grown rice, and the people and culture of the area to craft each bottle over time.
The brewery's goal is not simply to make sake, but to deliver the stories and intentions behind each glass: the land it comes from, the people involved, and the time it took to come together. This philosophy of unhurried craftsmanship is reflected in its latest release.
Amaou Strawberries Grown with Ultra-Low Pesticides
The Amaou used in Koharu comes from Kotoge Strawberry Farm, run by farmer Kotoge in Fukuchi Town. In 2020, driven by a commitment to food safety, Kotoge began pursuing "ultra-reduced pesticide cultivation" — an approach that goes beyond Japan's already strict standards to meet international benchmarks.
Strawberries are notoriously susceptible to disease and pests, making low-pesticide cultivation exceptionally difficult. Instead of relying on chemical treatments, Kotoge focuses on building soil quality and creating a healthy growing environment that strengthens the strawberries' natural immunity.
The soil is enriched using whisky pomace and bittern derived from deep-sea water, supporting approximately 250 varieties of microorganisms. For pest management, Kotoge employs beneficial mites to control harmful ones — a natural, cyclical approach. Rice vinegar is used as a simple, safe insect repellent.
These methods come at a cost: yields drop to around 70% of conventional levels, while labor and expenses multiply. Even so, Kotoge describes the process as deeply satisfying. "Making something I can be proud of is what makes me happy," he has said. The strawberries grown this way carry a vitality that goes beyond sweetness alone.
Koharu — A Gentle Taste of Early Spring
Made with a generous amount of premium Amaou strawberries, Koharu is described as a light and pleasant strawberry-flavored sake evoking the soft warmth of early spring. The drink balances the natural sweetness, acidity, and aroma of the strawberry, with a pale pink color in the glass and a silky, smooth texture.
The flavor opens with the bright, fragrant aroma of fully ripened Amaou strawberries, layered with a refined sweetness and the umami of rice. A sharp acidity arrives toward the finish, giving the sake a clean, dry close. A hint of freshness lingers on the palate afterward.
Koharu (小暖)
- Official shop: https://shop.amanosato-sake.com/products/koharu
- Rice: 100% Yamada Nishiki from Fukuoka Prefecture
- Polishing ratio: Undisclosed
- Alcohol content: 16%
- Volume: 500mL
- Price: ¥3,850 (tax included)
This product is a limited release and will sell out once the current production run is exhausted.
In-Store and Event Sales
Koharu is also available in stores from March 20, 2026.
Event sales are planned at the following upcoming events (subject to stock availability):
Fukuchi Find Festival — Fukuchi Sweets Grand Tea Party
- Dates: March 28 (Sat) and 29 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Fukuchi Town Indoor Sports Arena (Kanda Dome)
CHIKUHO Sake Festival
- Dates: April 4 (Sat) and 5 (Sun), 2026
- Venue: Kaho Terrace
Koharu & Kanya Set
A limited set pairing Koharu with Kanya (寒夜) is also available. Kanya is another Aru Yoi sake, crafted using pesticide-free lemons grown in Fukuchi Town. It draws out the natural flavor of the fruit while balancing the clear character of sake, creating a drink that reflects the changing seasons.
- Official shop: https://shop.amanosatosake.com/products/kanya-koharu
- Rice: 100% Yamada Nishiki from Fukuoka Prefecture
- Polishing ratio: Undisclosed
- Alcohol content: 16%
- Volume: 500mL
