Like a Dragon’s Ichiban Kasuga is getting his own official Japanese sake
Pre-orders have opened for a premium sake collaboration celebrating the birthday of Ichiban Kasuga, one of the main protagonists of the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series.
The new “Ryu ga Gotoku Famous Sake: Junmai Daiginjo Ichiban Kasuga” sake is brewed by Kamotsuru Sake Brewing, a historic brewery representing Hiroshima Prefecture that was founded in 1873.
The packaging and label are designed in a vibrant vermilion color scheme to reflect Ichiban’s passionate and unyielding personality.
The label is made of Washi paper for a luxurious feel and features a two-tone illustration of the character, with his name stamped in black foil.
The sake itself is a “Junmai Daiginjo” made from 100% “Hiroshima Nishiki” rice, polished to 50%.
It uses Kamotsuru’s proprietary “No. 5 Yeast” and is described as having a gorgeous aroma and the savory flavor typical of Junmai sake, with a slightly dry finish.
This is the third release in the “Ryu ga Gotoku Famous Sake Series,” following two previous successful collaborations.
The first installment featured the series legend Kazuma Kiryu and saw the release of the “Daiginjo Dojima no Ryu.”
The second installment, released in October 2024 to celebrate the game Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, featured fan-favorite Goro Majima.
That release, titled “Junmai Daiginjo Shimano no Mad Dog,” utilized gold and black coloring to evoke Majima’s essence and was brewed using Yamada Nishiki rice.
Two versions of the new Ichiban Kasuga sake are available for fans of the games to collect:
- Ichiban Kasuga Birthday Commemorative Set
- Price: 8,800 yen (approx. $58.78 USD / £46.32 GBP)
Includes the bottle of sake and a special sake cup (sakazuki) featuring Ichiban’s “Dragonfish” tattoo design.
- Standard Edition
- Price: 5,500 yen (approx. $36.74 USD / £28.95 GBP)
Includes the bottle of sake only.
This announcement adds to a growing list of Yakuza collaborations.
Recently, it was announced that Ichiban Kasuga would appear as a playable racer in the game Sonic Racing Crossworld via a free update.
Additionally, SEGA revealed a new line of plush toys called “SEGA LABBIES,” which features a bear dressed as the legendary Kazuma Kiryu.
The “Junmai Daiginjo Ichiban Kasuga” is available for pre-order starting today, December 3, until December 21, 2025.
Orders are being accepted via the Kamotsuru Direct Online Store and are scheduled to ship sequentially from December 22.
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