Nakanoshuzou Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Handa City, Aichi Prefecture; President: Atsuko Nakano), the brewery behind Japanese sake "Kunizakari," is launching a new rice koji drink, "Kunizakari Koji no Megumi Shio Lemon," nationwide on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
About "Koji no Megumi Shio Lemon"
In recent years, as increasingly intense summer heat has prompted people to rethink how they stay healthy during the warmer months, fermented foods have been gaining attention for their traditional preparation methods and naturally derived flavors. As a sake brewery, Nakanoshuzou has long worked closely with "koji" — a mold essential to the sake fermentation process — and this new drink was developed with the aim of leveraging the power of fermentation to support consumers' nutritional needs during summer.
The result is a salt-lemon flavored rice koji drink with a clean sweetness derived from rice and a refreshing lemon tartness, crafted for easy drinkability. It contains 0% alcohol and no added sugar. The rice grains are ground during production to achieve a smooth texture.
Key Features
Sugar-Free and 0% Alcohol
"Koji no Megumi Shio Lemon" uses only the naturally clean sweetness from rice and rice koji, with no added sugar. Since it contains 0% alcohol, the entire family — from children to elderly members — can enjoy it at any time of day.
It's suitable for a variety of situations: as part of breakfast, before studying or work, or after sports. It can also be enjoyed without concern by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those who avoid alcohol.
Suitable for Many Occasions
The drink fits a range of everyday moments, including:
- After a busy day, or as a post-exercise nutritional boost
- A refreshing start to the morning with koji
- As part of a beauty and wellness routine
- During periods of focused concentration
- To help balance daily nutrition
Also Effective for Heat Stroke Prevention
With a salt content of 0.2 g per 100 ml, the drink is well-suited for heat stroke prevention. It comes as a ready-to-drink straight type, making it easy to replenish nutrients even during hot summers when appetite tends to decline.
Serving Suggestions
The drink is best enjoyed well-chilled. It can also be frozen into a sherbet for a different treat.
Product Details
Product Name: Kunizakari Koji no Megumi Shio Lemon 360 g
Ingredients: Amazake (rice, rice koji) (domestically produced), concentrated lemon juice, salt / flavoring
Volume / Container: 360 g / glass bottle
Reference Retail Price: ¥400 (excluding tax)
Features: A salt-lemon flavored rice koji drink with no added sugar. Enjoy the clean rice-derived sweetness alongside the refreshing tartness of lemon, using 6% lemon juice. A ready-to-drink straight type for easy nutritional replenishment during summer. *Seasonal limited product.
Where to Buy: Available at retail stores, Kunizakari Sake no Bunkakan, and the official online shop (https://www.kunizakari-onlineshop.jp/)
Release Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
