Discovering Kochi Sake with Simone Maynard and Taichiro Ogi

In this episode of Sake on Air, we’re heading off the tourist path to Kochi Prefecture! Tune in to learn more about this little-known yet deeply compelling region, and why it deserves a spot on your sake travel list.

In September 2025, Cindy Bissig; Simone Maynard, creator of Taste with the Toji (check out episode 92!), a Sake Samurai, and a sake educator; and Taichiro Ogi, certified Tosa Sake Advisor and manager of Shikoku Travel Solutions, visited 6 breweries in Kochi together. Their trip was part of the development process to create a multi-day sake-themed tour in the southwest part of the island of Shikoku. They visited the following breweries:

Tosa Brewery, the makers of Keigetsu
Tsukasa Botan Brewery, makers of Tsukasa Botan
Nishioka Brewery, the makers of Junpei
Mutemuka Brewery, the makers of Mutemuka
Fumimoto Sake Brewery, the makers of Shimanto
Kameizumi Brewery, the makers of Kameizumi

In December, the three reunited over zoom to reflect on what they experienced in Kochi and share insights into the region, its sake culture, and what makes traveling there so special. From the character of Kochi’s sake to practical tips on how to explore, this conversation is all about how to enjoy Kochi to the fullest.

As always, if you have questions or comments, please do share them with us at questions@sakeonair.com or send us a message on our Instagram, Facebook, or Substack!
We’ll be back very soon with plenty more Sake On Air.

Until then, kampai!

Sake On Air is made possible with the generous support of the Japan Sake & Shochu Makers Association and is broadcast from the Japan Sake & Shochu Information Center in Tokyo. Sake on Air was created by Potts K Productions and is produced by Export Japan. Our theme, “Younger Today Than Tomorrow,” was composed by forSomethingNew for Sake On Air.