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WHO CARES: THE SAKE EXPLORER (Audio)

Sep 03, 2025

This month I interviewed Aaron Meldahl, The Sake Explorer. Aaron has been a resident of Tokyo since 1999. He has visited over 300 breweries around Japan to understand the the social and cultural context of brewing as well as discover difficult to find products. His goal is to attract more fellow explorers and help make sake an accessible beverage option and ensure its vitality for centuries to come. 

In addition to our interview you can hear

Nanbu Ryuu Ara Motosuri-uta, a song sung when grinding steamed rice kogi, and water into the yeast starter mash (moto).

Nanbu Toji is a toji group based in Ishidoriya, Iwate Prefecture

Song, Lyrics: Sasaki Katsuo et al. Recorded 09.07.1997 at Ishidoriy Local History Museum. kokushu-museum.com

For more about Aaron:

@the.sake.explorer on Instagram

@thesakeexplorer on YouTube

"WHO CARES," produced by Lilah Friedland, is an interview-based segment that is a mini-deep dive into the world of care, what we care about...and maybe why.

Lilah Friedland is an artist, musician, and mother. She works in any medium she wants to.

@invisible_hand on Instagram