Our Story
Our (My) Story by The Founder
It all started when I moved to Singapore in August 2022. I had recently left my previous job and was searching for new opportunities. Over the past decade, my journey had taken me across the globe—from Europe and Asia to the Americas and Africa. Along the way, I came to appreciate the uniqueness of Japanese culture and how deeply people around the world admire Japanese products for their exceptional craftsmanship, quality, and the distinctive philosophies behind them.
It was a taste of home and a reminder of the warmth and comfort that the sake brought with its rich flavors.
These experiences led me to a realization: Japanese craftsmanship has the power to enrich people's lives in simple yet profound ways. And, of course, I’ve always loved drinking sake and sharing the joy with others.
That’s what inspired me to start COCON—a Japanese sake shop to share the richness of artisan sake with Singapore, and hopefully beyond. Through COCON, I hope to bring a sense of joy, discovery and connection to others, just as sake has brought to me.
I hope you will join me on this journey. Kanpai!
Tatsunori Kaminaga
Founder, COCON
Breweries Behind the Bottles
Passion, Heritage, Innovation
At Sake Boutique Cocon, we collaborate with breweries that embody passion, craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition. Our selection process goes beyond taste—we seek out brewers who tell compelling stories through their work, bringing unique flavors and philosophies to every bottle.
Each sake in our collection is a reflection of the people behind it: artisans dedicated to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. We believe their products offer more than just exceptional quality; they enrich experiences, create connections and celebrate the beauty of timeless craftsmanship.
Our portfolio is ever-evolving, but below is a list of the esteemed breweries we proudly represent.
Naminooto Brewery (Shiga)
Nestled by Lake Biwa’s scenic shores, Naminooto Brewery has crafted sake since 1805. Now led by 10th-generation brewer Takashi Nakai and his brothers, they honor tradition while embracing innovation. Guided by the theme “Drink to Relax,” the family craft sake designed to accompany moments of pause and tranquility.
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Ono Brewery Shop (Nagano)
Founded in 1864, Ono Brewery is renowned for its flagship sake, "Yoakemae" ("Before Dawn"). With an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity, they continue to perfect the art of sake brewing. Their pursuit of excellence has earned them recognition in numerous prestigious competitions.
Tsunan Sake Brewery (Niigata)
Located in the snow-rich region of Niigata, Tsunan Sake Brewery crafts sake using locally grown rice and pristine snowmelt water. Embracing the philosophy of “Brew for Future,” they are committed to sustainable brewing. Their sake embodies the purity of their environment, delivering delicate and refreshing flavors true to the region’s terroir.
Nekka llc (Fukushima)
Founded in the snowy mountain town of Tadami in Fukushima, Nekka was created in 2016 by local rice farmers who set out to preserve both their land and community. Using rice grown in their own fields and the pristine water of the region, the team blends traditional sake-brewing knowledge with distillation techniques to craft expressive sake and rice spirits. Rooted in community and driven by innovation, Nekka expresses the quiet strength and beauty of Tadami’s nature.
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Takeshige Honke Brewery (Nagano)
Founded in 1868, Takeshige Honke has been crafting sake for generations in the small post town of Motai along the historic Nakasendo route in Saku, Nagano. The brewery preserves traditional techniques, including the labor-intensive kimoto method, while carefully refining its craft over time. Known for labels such as Misonotake, their sake expresses the quiet character of Nagano’s nature and heritage.
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Visit Website (JP)
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