— Now Available at the Austria Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai —
Asahi Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Iwakuni, Yamaguchi; President: Kazuhiro Sakurai), under the leadership of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, has created a collaborative sake titled “DASSAI – Composing the Future.” This unique sake was crafted by playing Johann Strauss II’s “Lagoon Waltz,” performed by “Philharmonic Taste”—a sextet composed of members from the Vienna Philharmonic—and the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, into the fermentation tanks during the brewing process. The result is a special sake now available for purchase at the Austria Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Overview of “DASSAI Composing the Future”
■ Production Timeline
- April 2024: President Harald Mahrer of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber visited Asahi Shuzo and signed a memorandum of understanding to create a collaborative DASSAI sake for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
- August 2024: A sextet led by Andreas Großbauer, first violinist of the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Norichika Iimori performed Johann Strauss II’s “Lagoon Waltz” in their respective countries. The performances were recorded and later mixed in Austria.
- October 2024: The finalized audio was sent to Asahi Shuzo and played into the DASSAI fermentation tanks. Brewing of “DASSAI Composing the Future” began.
- March 2025: Brewing was completed.
- May 22, 2025: Sales began at the Austria Pavilion. Distribution in Kansai and select European regions begins May 23. Sales end with the Expo’s closing on October 13.
■ Technical Aspects
- The rice polishing ratio is 23%, identical to DASSAI 23.
- The key difference lies in the use of music during fermentation.
- Playing music affects the sake by exposing yeast in the tank to vibrations. A sonic device vibrates the tank continuously for 30–35 days, encouraging gas release and enhancing yeast activity, which contributes to unique flavor characteristics.
Voices from the Project Leaders
■ Harald Mahrer, President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber
Austria and Japan share deep respect for quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. Our nations also align in long-term thinking and the strengths of family-owned businesses. With the theme “Composing the Future,” Expo 2025 offers a global platform to showcase Austrian companies and foster economic and cultural exchange.
Our collaboration with Asahi Shuzo stems from a shared belief in the power of culture —sake and music— to transcend borders and speak directly to people’s hearts. This project demonstrates how cultural partnerships can evolve into sustainable economic ties.
■ Kazuhiro Sakurai, President of Asahi Shuzo Co., Ltd.
We firmly believe that delicious sake capable of touching people’s hearts is as essential to human life as music. While respecting the cultures of the countries we export to, we are also proud to co-create new cultural experiences. We are honored to support friendship and cultural understanding between Austria and Japan through this sake.
In harmony with the Austria Pavilion’s theme, we hope “DASSAI Composing the Future” will help deepen the relationship between our two nations.
■ Andreas Großbauer, Founder of “Philharmonic Taste” and Vienna Philharmonic Member
The beauty of music, the wisdom of sake-making, and the support of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber —when these three elements came together, the love was born. “DASSAI Composing the Future” is the embodiment of that love.
Music bridges Japan and Austria. In this case, it was Johann Strauss’s “Lagoon Waltz” that connected us. Through “Philharmonic Taste,” I aim to link art, economics, and politics via the power of music. May this special sake inspire memories of the beauty of our two cultures. Cheers!
Product Information
Product Name | DASSAI Composing the Future (with carton)
Volume / Packaging | 720ml, 6 bottles per case
Music Played | “Lagoon Waltz” by Johann Strauss II
Performers | Sextet of Vienna Philharmonic members Japan Century Symphony Orchestra
Label Information | Polishing Ratio: 23%, Alcohol: 15%,Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice Koji (domestic)
Retail Price (Japan) | 7,273 JPY (excl. tax) / 8,000 JPY (incl. tax)
Sales Period | From May 22, 2025 (Austria National Day at Expo) to October 13,2025 (Expo closing date)
Collaborations Between Austria and DASSAI
On December 31, 2024, Mr. Hiroshi Sakurai, Chairman of Asahi Shuzo, visited Augarten and Lobmeyr in Vienna. It was decided to create collaborative sake vessels featuring the DASSAI logo. The following provides an overview of each company
■ Augarten
Founded in 1718, Augarten is one of Europe's most historic porcelain manufactories. With a tradition spanning over 300 years, it is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality porcelain. The company is headquartered within Vienna's Augarten Palace and boasts a rich history in producing refined tableware, decorative items, and unique porcelain pieces. Each collection is meticulously handcrafted by artisans and bears the iconic "shield-shaped emblem" symbolizing Augarten Vienna.
vienna.info
Over the centuries, Augarten has built a reputation for exceptional artisanal skills and artistic design, becoming a symbol of Austrian cultural heritage. Its quality and artistic value are widely recognized in Japan as well.
As part of the "DASSAI – Composing the Future" project, a special edition of Augarten's elegant champagne bowl has been created, featuring the DASSAI logo. This champagne bowl is crafted from the finest porcelain and adorned with radiant 24-karat gold. Each piece is hand-painted with 24-karat gold by skilled artisans, offering a luxurious experience. Notably, the bowl maintains the temperature of its contents longer than typical glassware, making it an ideal vessel for enjoying not only champagne but also introducing a new way to savor sake.
■ Lobmeyr
Founded in Vienna in 1823 by Josef Lobmeyr, J. & L. Lobmeyr quickly became a purveyor to the Imperial Court. Each generation of the family-run company has been characterized by a deep affection for the material, a profound love for their products, and a dedicated commitment to craftsmanship. While preserving its rich heritage, Lobmeyr continues to focus on contemporary interpretations of glass and light. At the Austria Pavilion, visitors can view a rare example of a Maria Theresa chandelier. In collaboration with DASSAI, a special design from the Ballerina series has been selected to offer an exceptionally elegant way to enjoy fine sake.
Austrian Official Site: “Japanese Sake Echoing with Austrian Waltz”
https://www.advantageaustria.org/jp/services/expo-2025/composing-the-future.ja.html