04 Japanese Sake Bar Japo: Haruka Fujimoto

Introducing the guests and themes

theme

We spoke to Fujimoto, who runs a bar in Kobe that specializes in Japanese national alcoholic beverages such as shochu, awamori, and sake, about how to enjoy shochu and sake.

Disliked Foods

Raw shellfish. Not because of the taste, but because it makes me sick.

Guest Biography

Originally from Kobe, Fujimoto graduated from high school and worked in restaurants and a delicacy company while continuing his musical career. He then discovered the deliciousness of shochu at a Kagoshima restaurant, which led him to explore Japanese alcohol. He wondered why there were no places where people could drink a wide range of Japanese alcohol, even though it should be the most familiar to them, and opened Kokushu Bar Japo in January 2021.

What is your goal and what are you working on now?

I realized that there were no bars where you could drink Japanese alcohol properly, so I started this bar with the idea of creating a bar that I and my friends would want to go to, where we could enjoy Japanese alcohol properly. Although there are quite a few bars that specialize in sake, I wanted to create a bar that properly stocks Japanese alcohol, including shochu and awamori.

The appeal and fun of alcohol and food

What made you get hooked?

I had a good impression of sake and awamori because I had been drinking delicious sake and awamori since I was young, but I somehow didn't like shochu. It all started when I had the opportunity to try some delicious shochu at a Kagoshima restaurant where I used to work. As I got older, I stopped drinking sweet cocktails, so I became even more addicted to Japanese alcohol.

What's the most memorable happy moment you've experienced since getting hooked?

The situation and environment are important. Drinking while listening to good music is fun.

Since the store is a Japanese liquor store, we play Japanese music.

What failures have you experienced or lessons learned since getting hooked?

When you're young, you don't know your limits, so you end up drinking too much and making mistakes, so know your limits. Drink plenty of water. Be careful with strong drinks, as they can make you drunk easily. It's important to keep things that should be stored in the refrigerator in the refrigerator. Be careful, especially with sake, as there is a type of unpasteurized sake that needs to be stored in the refrigerator.

The most important points for enjoying the course: How to get started and advice

It is important to create a relaxing environment where you can drink. Enjoy it with close friends.

Ignore technical terms and just go to a store that catches your eye and ask the staff. Try drinking alcohol with a label or design that catches your eye on social media.

Guests' unique way of enjoying alcohol

What pairings do you recommend?

To enjoy it at home, we recommend pairing imo shochu with imokenpi.

The shop offers local produce and unique snacks.

Smoked Yakushima flying fish and sheila

Trends and services you're interested in

This sake keg draft sake can be served fresh in bars. It is run by a company in Akashi.

I'd like to try it because it seems like it could be offered outdoors for things like music events.

Recommended content for studying

Special feature on authentic shochu and sake from Dancyu

Guest contact and service information

Japanese Sake Bar Japo

Website: https://japo-kobe.com/

Instagram: @japo_sake_kobe

Things to keep in mind when enjoying guest services

We have about 100 brands of shochu, 30 brands of awamori, and 20 types of sake, so we hope you enjoy a variety of options.

In particular, for those who don't really like shochu, I would encourage them to come and overcome their dislike, as I believe our store will give them the opportunity to start liking it.

A message to enrich your life by enjoying food and drinks