"The Circle of Mead Expanding at Kaku-uchi" is a project introducing liquor stores that serve our mead at their standing bars (kaku-uchi).

For our monumental first feature, we visit "Hasegawaya Niigata," the second location of "Hasegawaya" in Niigata Prefecture—a shop we have enjoyed a long partnership with since the early days of ANTELOPE.

@hasegawaya.niigata

Niigata is known as a city of sake. Mr. Hasegawa noticed that, unexpectedly, there were few places near the station—the gateway to the city—where one could enjoy a drink at a relaxed pace.

"I want this to be a city where you can enjoy a drink the moment you step off at Niigata Station."

With that desire in his heart, he decided to take on the challenge of moving from his main store in the Nishikan Ward to the new frontier of the station area. The keen eye for quality he inherited as the fourth-generation owner, combined with his ambition to create new value, has resulted in a truly unique space.


1. History - The Journey So Far

Store owner Yoji Hasegawa was born in 1990 as the second son of the Hasegawaya family. After graduating from university, he spent three years training at a liquor store in Chiba Prefecture and earned his sommelier certification.

He shares a surprising confession: "I didn't particularly love alcohol to begin with." As he continued to meet various producers, he says he became drawn to the depth of the world of alcohol, marveling at the producers' dedication and the intentions behind each bottle.


Our meeting with him took place in October 2021. That was the start of our relationship, and "Jumeaux," brewed to commemorate the opening of his second shop in 2024, is a special mead inspired by the nuances of "The Last Supper," a favorite of Mr. Hasegawa's.

Abe Farm

This bottle is unique to Niigata, using quince and Le Lectier pears from the local Abe Farm. This project also served to broaden our connection with Abe Farm. We are grateful.


2. Values - Mr. Hasegawa's Philosophy

"I want to be a bridge between producers and customers."

That vision is embodied in Hasegawaya Niigata. There is an endless supply of delicious alcohol in the world. Mr. Hasegawa believes that the reason for operating a liquor store lies in carefully explaining the thoughts of the producers and the background behind each bottle. He says he hopes that by first providing a casual experience at the kaku-uchi bar, he can share the deeper charms of these beverages.

Meanwhile, he hosts events blending food, music, and more about twice a month.

ANTELOPE also participated in their summer festival in August, which featured a collaboration with natural wines from "TAREL" in Kyoto, "Zun-san" from ESTRE (a Niigata native), and ethnic food chef "cam." These events spark new chemical reactions through the fusion of various cultures. They are definitely not to be missed. Check them out.



3. Experience - The Hasegawaya Niigata Experience

In the relaxed kaku-uchi space with about 20 seats, visitors range from lone individuals stopping by after work to groups enjoying time with friends. Sake and wine lovers who trust Mr. Hasegawa's selections travel not only from within Niigata but also from the Kanto region and Shizuoka.

"What is mead?"

He says he is asked this question almost daily.

"At first, I would explain it with all my might. But the beauty of a kaku-uchi is that you can taste it right there on the spot. Seeing—or rather, tasting—is believing," says Mr. Hasegawa. There are things that can only be conveyed by having someone take that first sip. That is truly the best part of a kaku-uchi experience.

The menu always features two types of mead, and they are also offered as part of tasting sets alongside sake and wine. You can easily try any drink that piques your interest starting from 700 yen per glass.

Lately, the popular meads are the carrot and cumin "Glacé" and the tea-infused "Honey Tea Brew." A new trend has emerged where customers who have tried them bring others along, saying, "There's this interesting drink called mead," leading to more visits specifically for the mead.

Those with an inquisitive nature toward new things tend to be the most interested, with particularly strong support from women, especially in their 20s and 30s.


4. Future Plan - Looking Ahead

"I want to continue solving various challenges. But first and foremost, I want to enjoy myself day-to-day and simply have fun selling alcohol. I'm not good at planning," says Mr. Hasegawa.

However, he often shares the things he "wants to try" with those around him.

People moved by his passionate gaze naturally gather around him, and he himself continues to face the challenges right in front of him while enjoying the process. That attitude is surely what led to the new challenge of opening his second store.


5. Editor's Note - After the Interview

What struck me throughout the interview was his "natural-born ability to take action." While he claims to be poor at making concrete plans, he is always sharing his thoughts and putting them into action. That posture seems to naturally attract support from those around him and creates new possibilities.

It was also impressive to hear him say, "There are many challenges." Feeling that there are challenges is proof that one is seriously facing what is right in front of them. It is likely that this fiery heart is what captivates the people around him.

In Niigata, known as a holy land for sake, his challenge to cultivate the next generation of drinking culture has only just begun. Every time I visit, I find something new. I truly look forward to the future of Hasegawaya, a place that always fills me with anticipation.


■Store Information

〈Niigata Hasegawaya〉

※Please check Instagram for event information and detailed business hours.

We will continue to introduce other liquor stores little by little.
Which store should I feature next?🚶

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