TOKYO -- Sake brewer Takara Shuzo is toasting a very good 2018, having shipped the largest amount of sake in Japan last year on sales driven by the popularity of Mio, a sparkling version of the country's traditional beverage.
Launched in 2011, Mio owes its popularity to Takara's success in marketing the Champagne-like beverage as a drink for celebrations, targeting young revelers in their 20s and 30s, many of whom do not regularly imbibe normal sake.
