Global techno artist Richie Hawtin, who also holds the title of "Sake Samurai," has collaborated with haccoba -Craft Sake Brewery-, a craft sake brewery based in Fukushima, Japan, to develop an original sake called "SPARK 26." The sake was created in celebration of the 26th anniversary of WOMB, an iconic dance music club in Shibuya, Tokyo, and will make its world premiere at the anniversary party on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Background: A Legend's Respect for Fukushima's Free-Spirited Brewing
Richie Hawtin has long been known for introducing sake to audiences around the world, while haccoba -Craft Sake Brewery- has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of conventional sake production. Building on the excitement generated by last year's "RICHIE HAWTIN × WOMB × Sake Brewery" series, haccoba takes up the baton for this year's collaboration.
haccoba -Craft Sake Brewery-'s style gracefully transcends genre boundaries while remaining rooted in traditional Japanese sake-making methods. Guided by direction reflecting Hawtin's deep respect for the craft, the team pursued something beyond a mere commemorative item — a sake that resonates with the energy of a dancefloor.
Product: "SPARK 26" — Where Distillation and Fermentation Resonate
"SPARK 26" is a sparkling sake with a refreshing yet complex flavor profile. True to haccoba -Craft Sake Brewery-'s commitment to local ingredients, distillation lees from "naturadistill" — a craft gin distillery in Fukushima Prefecture — are fermented together with rice.
Botanical aromas that herald spring: The recipe uses distillation lees from the limited seasonal gin "Baika Mikan Joshuzu." Alongside juniper berries, layered aromas of plum blossom, mandarin orange, and strawberry evoke the arrival of spring.
Flavors that cross boundaries: By weaving the essence of gin into the fermentation of rice and koji, the result is a sake that bridges genre lines — a quality that resonates with Hawtin's own musical creativity.
naturadistill: https://naturadistill.com/
The Unveiling: WOMB 26TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
On this special night marking the opening of WOMB's next quarter century, Richie Hawtin himself returns to WOMB's main floor.
SAKE LOUNGE: A dedicated "SAKE LOUNGE" will be set up on the first floor, where guests can enjoy "SPARK 26" while immersed in the music.
A new kind of toast: Dance music culture and the fermentation culture nurtured in Fukushima — two worlds that might seem far removed from each other — come together in a single bottle, offering a fresh way to celebrate.
"SPARK 26" Product Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Volume | 500ml per bottle |
| Release Date | Friday, April 24, 2026 |
| Sales Period | April 2026 until sold out |
| Available at | WOMB (Shibuya, Tokyo), IMADEYA (Main store: Chiba), Our Sake Club (Berlin, Germany) |
Note: As a limited-distribution product, it will not be available through haccoba's online store.
"WOMB 26TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY" Event Details
- Date: Friday, April 24, 2026, 11:00 PM to 4:30 AM
- Performers:
- 2F: RICHIE HAWTIN, DJ SODEYAMA, OCCA / VISUAL: MANAMI SAKAMOTO / LIGHTING: SAITO
- 4F: BOBBY., SATOSHI OTSUKI, LEVOLANT
- 1F SAKE LOUNGE: YAMA, WORD OF MOUTH, CHANAZ
