Our company, together with the Japan Shogi Association (Tokyo Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Chairperson: Ichiyo Shimizu) and Agnavi Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Seishu Gen; hereinafter referred to as "Agnavi"), has implemented the second phase of the "IKKON IKKYOKU PROJECT" which aims to revitalize local communities through shogi and sake.
In this project, we planned a collaboration between the Osho title match and three sake breweries in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture (Kikunosato Shuzo, Tentaka Shuzo, and Watanabe Sake Brewery), the venue for the 5th game of the 75th Osho title match. We produced a 180ml can of sake featuring the design of Nasu Yoichi, a renowned archer said to have been from the city. These cans were distributed to attendees at the pre-match celebration held on March 7, 2026 (Saturday) *.
Shogi (Japanese chess) and local sake have long been passed down as traditional cultures symbolizing their respective countries and regions. Our group will promote this project as a way to revitalize local communities by fusing the two through the packaging of the products, thereby highlighting the unique charm of each region and contributing to tourism promotion and the revitalization of local economies.
*This item is not available for general sale. It was only distributed to individuals aged 20 or older after age verification.
Otawara City is known as one of the leading places for local sake. Six sake breweries, once affectionately known as the "Six Breweries of Otawara's Famous Sake," brewed flavorful local sake using the region's high-quality water and rice, contributing to the local economy as a traditional industry and becoming deeply rooted in the community as bearers of food and festival culture. However, due to a lack of successors and changes in demand, the business environment deteriorated, forcing breweries to close down or transfer their businesses. Currently, only three breweries, half the number from the past, support Otawara's local sake.
These three breweries—Kikunosato Shuzo, Tentaka Shuzo, and Watanabe Sake Brewery—have collaborated with the Osho Tournament, and each brand is now available in a 180ml can with an original label.
Founded in 1914, this brewery operates under the principle that "good sake comes from good ingredients." Their characteristic dry sake is made using the delicious flavor of rice and the purity of the water, and they also produce food products that reflect the spirit of a sake brewery, utilizing local specialties and other ingredients.
Based on the insights and feedback gained from this initiative, we will continue to develop collaborative projects with title matches, producing 180ml cans of sake and implementing related measures to promote regional revitalization through shogi and sake. We will also support sake breweries in expanding their sales channels by exploring possibilities such as increasing tourism through the development and sale of limited-edition products tailored to local festivals and seasonal events, reaching urban fans through hometown tax donations and e-commerce, making collaborative products regular items, and permanent sales at souvenir shops and roadside stations. In addition, we will support sake breweries' efforts by providing diverse options, including the creation of high-quality products using our group's glass bottles, the mobile filling machine "TSUME-TARO," and Agnavi's commissioned filling service "Sakadaikan."
Going forward, we will continue to connect Japan's traditional culture with local communities and people through packaging containers, and contribute to the revitalization of each region.
Otawara City is located in the northeastern part of Tochigi Prefecture. Formerly known as "Ōtawara," it is a region renowned for its delicious rice, boasting one of the highest rice production volumes in the Kanto area, and is also a famous center for local sake production, with a large amount of sake rice being grown there. We are deeply impressed by the "IKKON IKKYOKU PROJECT," which has enabled us to promote the region's charm through a collaboration between our three breweries and the Ōshō tournament. We have high hopes that this initiative will bring a fresh, fragrant new charm and vitality to our city, and create new value while preserving the region's traditions.
- "Distribution of collaborative sake in a 180ml can at the eve of the 5th game of the 75th Osho title match – The second installment of the "IKKON IKKYOKU PROJECT" to promote the appeal of shogi and sake" (Announcement dated February 6, 2026)
- "Japan Shogi Association x Toyo Seikan Group x Agnavi Launch 'IKKON IKKYOKU PROJECT' to Revitalize Local Communities with Shogi and Sake - Collaboration Sake in a 180ml Can to be Distributed at the 3rd Tachikawa Tachihi Shogi Tournament" (Press release dated December 5, 2025)