Japan's sake makers unite for Tohoku

On Friday, September 29, sake producers from around Japan will converge on Tokyo Dome’s Prism Hall to show their solidarity with the disaster-hit brewers of the Tohoku region.

In the wake of the massive earthquake and tsunami that pummeled the northeastern coast on March 11, more than 100 breweries reported structural damage and a range of losses from slight to total.

• More on CNNGo: Sake brewers urge drinkers to keep going

The charity tasting event, called Wa ni Narou Nihonshu (which translates literally as, “Let’s form a circle, sake”), will feature around 200 breweries, along with a handful of shochu and Japanese wine producers and food stalls selling snacks from Tohoku.

Cultural treasure

“During this disaster, sake breweries and those in the alcohol industry suffered terrible damage,” said chief organizer Satoshi Kimijima. “As a result, one of Japan’s most treasured cultural assets is in grave danger.”

Adding to the festivities will be a series of sake-inspired musical performances by taiko drummers, opera singers and Kimijima’s own rock ‘n’ roll band, Mystic Waters.

Supporting kids too

Wa ni Narou’s organizers intend to donate 30 percent of the proceeds to affected brewers and the Japanese Red Cross.

The remaining 70 percent will go to the Ashinaga Foundation, an organization providing support for children who were orphaned by the tsunami.

• More on CNNGo: Sake’s image makeover

The afternoon session will run from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. and the evening session from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Advance tickets cost ¥3,500 (per person, per session) via e-plus, or ¥4,000 at the door.

For more information, check out the Wa ni Narou website and blog.