News
Comments from the judges who evaluated KURA ONE® as Grand Gold Award.
2023.12.13
KURA ONE® received the Gold Award and the highest acclaimed Grand Gold Award in the OMOTENASHI Selection, in which foreign experts working in Japan evaluate and certify products and services that are "full of the unique charms of Japan" that they want to transmit to the world.
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The OMOTENASHI Selection aims to discover and promote to the world products and services with outstanding Japanese hospitality. The awards are judged on the basis of actual products by foreign creative directors, media representatives and embassy officials who are active in Japan. The awards are evaluated according to the criteria of OMOTENASHI (hospitality) and GLOBAL (global), with an emphasis on originality and ingenuity in improving techniques and traditions born from a spirit of consideration and adapting them to the modern age. Products and services that are recognised as having a 'uniquely Japanese' appeal that should be communicated to the world are recognised as award-winning products and services under the OMOTENASHI Selection.
The jury also praised the strengths of the KURA ONE® container, such as the small volume, light weight, no risk of breakage and protection from ultraviolet rays, which cause deterioration, as a small-capacity aluminium can sake, as well as the label design with consideration for users who do not understand Japanese and the video introducing the region where the sake brewery is located. The comments of the jury members from 15 countries have been received and are now available.
Judge's Comments:
"It would make a fantastic souvenir appreciated by anyone worldwide. The concept is captivating, and the packaging is both enjoyable and well thought out. With a diverse range of flavors, it appeals to a wide audience. It serves as a great introduction to Japanese sake for many overseas individuals, especially in Italy. The lightweight aluminum can is a convenient alternative for carrying, eliminating the need for transporting heavy bottles." (Italy)
"Delicious sake packed with umami. Personally, I favor the 'Katsuyama Ken Junmai Ginjo.' The idea of sake in aluminum cans is brilliant, making it convenient for souvenirs and easy to transport. The variety and the reasonable price point make it enjoyable for Malaysians, contributing to the popularity of sake in the region." (Malaysia)
"This series allows people to savor Japanese sake, representing Japan, in a thoughtful way. The packaging, bilingual in Japanese and English, is noteworthy, considering foreign consumers. The lineup of rich flavors in lightweight and durable aluminum cans enhances convenience. The product is easily accessible online and offline, making it suitable for the Dutch market. It can be enjoyed personally or shared with friends, making it versatile for various occasions, including gifts." (Netherlands)
"Each brand with its unique taste offers a delightful experience. Personally, I find the 'Award-winning Sake' most distinctive in flavor. The growing demand for sake in the United States, evident in The New York Times, indicates a sake boom. Considering America's healthy alcohol culture and reasonable pricing, KURA ONE® becomes a valuable choice in the local sake market." (United States)
"From design to brand, variations, and compact size, it's an outstanding product. I feel tempted to purchase a set as a gift for friends interested in sake. The concept of repurposing the can as home decor after consumption is brilliant. It's like a refined version of the traditional 'One Cup' sake, catering to various preferences." (Sweden)
"I believe one of the first things that come to mind for many people when they think of Japan is sake. The ingenuity behind transforming traditional glass bottles of Japanese sake into cans, emphasizing lightweight portability and preventing alcohol degradation due to environmental factors, makes this product incredibly creative. The visual design also exudes a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. In the Philippines, where convenient and portable alcoholic beverages are popular, this sake stands out for its rich variety, compact can packaging, and diverse design options—from cute and feminine to those likely to appeal to men. The pricing is reasonable, making it a favorable choice in the Filipino market. (Philippines)
"A convenient and enjoyable way to experience sake individually. The diverse options are appealing for the North American market, especially in Canada. The comprehensive information makes it beginner-friendly. The name 'KURA' is memorable and advantageous. Overall, I found the flavors to be excellent." (Canada)
"Using Japanese rice and incorporating Japanese ingenuity in the packaging, it exudes a Japanese vibe. Easy to carry and choose different sake based on themes and flavors. As sake gains popularity in Hong Kong, the reasonable pricing makes it accessible, not only in Hong Kong but also in the U.S., Europe, China, and other regions." (Hong Kong)
"The can's design makes it an attractive gift from Japan. Requesting Japanese sake as a souvenir from Japan is common, but bottles are inconvenient for luggage. This canned version addresses that issue. With sake's popularity increasing worldwide, especially in the UK, the reasonable pricing is likely to draw considerable interest." (United Kingdom)
"An excellent concept for introducing sake to foreigners unfamiliar with it. The website is user-friendly, and the chart indicating sweetness, acidity, umami, etc., is convenient. The small, canned size makes it easy for Westerners, including Belgians, to purchase and try. The packaging is also stylish." (Belgium)
"This is a meticulously thought-out product, allowing the exploration of various flavors from small quantities. It's a fantastic item that not only provides an opportunity to try different tastes but also serves as a great introduction to Japanese sake for foreigners. Purchasing a single bottle can be expensive and less accessible for casual buyers, so the option to try in a compact size is a clever and considerate approach. I believe this will be well-received by people in Argentina." (Argentina)
"A well-thought-out product allowing exploration of various flavors from small quantities. It serves as an excellent introduction to sake for foreigners. Compact sizes enable easy sampling without committing to a full bottle. It's a creative and diverse product suitable for the Australian market, offering a variety of flavors at an affordable price." (Australia)
"Great concept, wonderful design, and above all, the taste of sake is exceptional. The compact aluminum can is visually appealing, and the pricing is reasonable. A fantastic combination of outstanding packaging and excellent sake, appealing not only in Italy but globally." (Italy)
"Convenient in terms of delivery and storage. The sake itself is delicious, and the extensive variety is appreciated. The reasonable pricing is likely to be well-received by people in Vietnam." (Vietnam)
"The most captivating aspect is the ability to enjoy 21 brands of sake, each with distinct regional flavors. Particularly for tourists from abroad wanting to taste a variety of sake, this product offers a fantastic solution. The ability to choose according to personal preference is another great feature. It has the potential to be a popular souvenir not only in Taiwan but globally." (Taiwan)
The KURA ONE® team is grateful for the highest evaluation (Grand Gold Award) of the products and services that KURA ONE® has received, which are "full of the unique charms of Japan" that we want to share with the world, and we will continue our efforts to meet these expectations together with the entire KURA ONE® team.
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