Abekan Brewery (阿部勘酒造), based in Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture, has rebranded its long-running seasonal release "Abekan Junmai Ginjo Natsusake" under a new identity: "Shiogama Abekan Natsu no Shio" (塩竈 阿部勘 夏の潮). Shipments from the brewery began on May 26, 2026.
The summer limited sake captures the summer scenery of Shiogama — a port town renowned for its dedication to freshness in food. The label, painted in watercolors by Shiogama-affiliated artist Yuji Oda, depicts the sea as seen through the sake bottle, fireworks evoking the local port festival, and a graceful goldfish. The soft color palette and generous use of negative space express the breezy summer atmosphere that flows through this harbor town.
Development Background
Shiogama has long been celebrated for its sushi and seafood culture, where fresh ingredients are enjoyed as simply and directly as possible. Abekan Brewery has consistently pursued sake that complements and highlights the appeal of those fresh ingredients.
"Natsu no Shio" — loosely translated as "summer tide" — has been a popular seasonal release, with many customers looking forward to it each year. The rebranding aimed to go beyond expressing the refreshing character typical of summer sake; the goal was to create a product that embodies "the summer of Shiogama itself."
Product Features
"Shiogama Abekan Natsu no Shio" is a summer limited sake with a calm, clear quality. Its gentle umami and a pleasant lingering bitterness pair well with light summer seafood — and show a particular affinity for wasabi and aromatic herbs.
The product name "Natsu no Shio" carries the image of Shiogama's sea breeze, the excitement of the summer festival, and the seasonal air of the port town.
Label Illustration
The label illustration was created exclusively for this product by Yuji Oda, an artist with ties to Shiogama. The piece — featuring the sea visible through the bottle, fireworks reminiscent of the port festival, and a goldfish motif — presents the summer memories and harbor-town atmosphere of Shiogama as a single composition. The original painting is also being made public alongside this release, offering viewers a chance to appreciate the texture and brushwork of the hand-painted artwork.
Product Details
- Product Name: Shiogama Abekan Natsu no Shio (塩竈 阿部勘 夏の潮)
- Shipping Start Date: May 26, 2026
- Type: Summer limited sake
- Sizes & Prices: 720ml – ¥2,200 (tax included) / 1.8L – ¥3,960 (tax included)
- Characteristics: Calm, clear quality with gentle umami and a pleasant lingering bitterness
- Recommended Pairings: Sushi, sashimi, white fish, grilled fish, summer vegetable dishes, wasabi and aromatic herbs
- Tagline: A summer sake born from a town that loves freshness. The summer of Shiogama, visible through the bottle.
