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iPhone app aims to sell sake to the world

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The “sakefan World” iPhone app offers information on sake in Japanese and English, including alcohol content and recommended ways of drinking the rice wine. | KYODO
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An iPhone app that can recognize sake labels and display information in Japanese and English on everything from alcohol content to recommended ways of drinking the rice wine has been released.

Developed by label-maker Takakuwa Art Printing Co. in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, the app, called “sakefan World,” works by swiping your iPhone camera lens across a sake bottle label.

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The app then instantly recognizes characters and illustrations to translate the label.

The app, which is free to download, is being targeted at wholesalers and restaurants in a bid to break down language barriers and boost sake exports.

Brewers anticipate it will allow the subtle nuances of sake flavors to be introduced around the world, with even small operators able to market their products overseas.

Shata Shuzo Co. in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of the brewers featured on the app.

“Tengumai’s brewery was established in Hakusan in 1823. We are known for making great-tasting sake,” says the company’s president, Kazunari Shata, in a translated video that also shows the company’s brewing process.

However, the app also promotes local tourist attractions.

“We want people to learn about the creativity (behind sake) and come to visit the areas,” said one of the app’s developers.

Other information provided on the app includes recommendations for food to pair with sake, such as raw oysters, grilled sweet fish, shrimp cocktail, sushi, or even roast beef.

Sake is also divided into categories of rich flavor, light flavor, light body and full body. Suggested temperatures are also offered, as well as an expert guide.

In one example, Tsukinokatsura’s Yanagi Junmai Ginjo sake from Kyoto reads, “This sake is very elegant and has the fruity aromas of melon and apple.”

Currently there are 10 brewers registered with the app, including Dewazakura Omachi from Yamagata Prefecture and Dassai’s Asahi Shuzo from Yamaguchi Prefecture, with more expected.

“We want to use this as an opportunity to proactively sell to the overseas market,” said Shata.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and brewers plan to collect information on app users’ nationalities and locations for marketing purposes.

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