Unlocking Japan's Hidden Gems
Guided by Suntory group
THE HEARTOFSAKAZUKI
SAKAZUKI BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.
It lowers the walls between us and brings people closer. By sharing moments, feelings, and even worries, familiar faces grow into deeper bonds. SAKAZUKI honors the connections that naturally grow among people.
SAKAZUKI INVITES US TO GROW.
It shares the stories behind each Hidden Gem — the history, culture, aesthetics, and ways of living that shaped them. Through SAKAZUKI, we discover worlds we never knew, and each discovery helps us mature.
SAKAZUKI ENRICHES LIFE.
It elevates the simple act of sharing food and drink, making these moments more flavorful, warm, and memorable. To honor this, SAKAZUKI continues to share insights and knowledge that deepen every experience.
SAKAZUKI
COLLECTIVE
The SAKAZUKI Collective
The philosophy comes to life through the SAKAZUKI Collective(NFT) — an invitation-only digital emblem of belonging. It serves as proof of membership, access to exclusive experiences and artworks, your identity within the community, and a record of your personal journey — uniting tradition and technology in a modern expression of heritage.
Artist Collaborations
SAKAZUKI collaborates with artists who embody its philosophy, honoring tradition while evolving craft in contemporary ways, and will continue releasing annual artist collaboration series with creators who embody the same spirit. The inaugural collaboration features A-Mashiro, a Japanese contemporary artist whose 20-year practice explores balance, emotion, and color. Each artwork becomes a digital Sakazuki — a shared symbol of creativity and connection.
A-MASHIRO
Creative Artist
A-Mashiro is a Tokyo-based artist who has been creating works for over 20 years. Born in a traditional Japanese house with over 200 years of history, he grew up immersed in traditional Japanese culture and nature. This rich natural environment profoundly influenced his creativity, an influence strongly evident in his current work. While he initially worked with oil and acrylic paints, his current practice centers on digital art. His early style was driven by emotion, but he gradually shifted focus to composition and color balance. This shift reflects his view that creation is also a means of maintaining balance between mind and body. He also has deep connections with generative artists, establishing a unique position among 1/1 artists.
Benefits /
Access to
1. Collect Rare Creations
Rare, small-batch objects, artworks, and spirits — each carrying the story of its maker and the moment you encountered it.
Carefully crafted treasures made for those who truly connect with the makers behind them.
Key Features
・Rare, small-batch creations made with true craftsmanship
・A fusion of story, artistry, and human connection
・Priority access for members who have completed certain experiences
・Some pieces such as rare whisky may require completion of specific experiences. All alcohol bottle pickups occur in Japan in accordance with local regulations.
2. Acquire Japan Experience Pass
Small-group, deeply immersive journeys exploring regions, crafts, and stories across Japan. This is not tourism. This is immersion.
A fully curated trip designed to bring you face-to-face with Japan's rarest crafts — and the people who bring them to life.
What's Included
・Accommodation during your stay in Japan
・Domestic transportation for the entire experience
・Ability to invite a Plus-One(requires an additional pass)
・Unique themes each trip — local culture, master artisans, and in 2026
What Makes It Special
・Meet the masters and experience their craft firsthand
・Enjoy experiences that money just cannot buy
・Access to tour-exclusive items that can be purchased or received only through this journey.
3. Exclusive Global Gatherings
Invitation-only events around the world where connection becomes ceremony and community becomes craft.
What You Can Expect
・Special drink tastings unique to SAKAZUKI
・Access to event-only collaboration items
・Meet and connect with the global SAKAZUKI Family
・Programs tailored to each city's theme, culture, and community.
FOUNDER
HI(BALL)
HIGHBALL
CHARLIE
Founder
Hi(ball)! “Sakazuki” means “sake cup” in Japan. People used to clink these small cups to show trust, respect, and friendship. This is more than drinking! It’s a simple act that brings people closer and opens the heart. No other creature shares a cup to connect like this. Only humans do. And that’s why, for me, the Sakazuki is one of the purest symbols of what it means to be human.
Biography
Charlie has been with Suntory for 27 years and is known as the “Father of the Highball,” having sparked Japan’s Highball boom. He developed both the Highball mug and the Highball machine, and is the founder of Good Measure, a Web3 startup within the Suntory Group.
FAQ
Q.1What currency can I use to purchase Sakazuki Collective(NFT)?
A. You can purchase it using the cryptocurrency Ethereum or a credit card.
Q.2Is Sakazuki Collective (NFT) an SBT (Soulbound Token)?
A. No. It is a transferable token.
Q.3Do I purchase the Japan Experience pass and Rare Creations as NFTs?
A. Yes. You purchase them as NFTs, and after redemption you can arrange travel bookings or request product fulfillment online.
Q.4When will the schedule for Japan Experience and Global Gathering be announced?
A. We will publish an annual calendar when the website is relaunched.
Q.5Does my "SAKAZUKI Collective (NFT)" expire?
A. No — membership is lifelong as long as you hold your pass. A yearly calendar helps you plan your Japan experiences, which must be purchased separately.
Q.6How do I purchase Japan Experiences or Rare Creations?
A. Your SAKAZUKI Collective (NFT) unlocks access on the Sakazuki website. From there, you may purchase Japan Experience Passes or member-only creations. The website is currently being rebuilt and will relaunch in March/April 2026.
Q.7Can I purchase rare bottles through SAKAZUKI?
A. Yes — some rare whiskies may require completion of specific experiences. All alcohol bottle pickups occur in Japan in accordance with local regulations.
Q.8Do I need to buy a pass for Global Gatherings?
A. Depends on the event — some are free, others paid. Members who complete specific experiences may receive free access as a reward.
Q.9What does "SAKAZUKI" mean in Japanese?
A. "Sakazuki" means a "sake cup" in Japan. Traditionally, people would clink these small cups as a symbol of trust, respect, and friendship. In Japan, exchanging sakazuki cups in traditional wedding ceremonies represents an "eternal bond."