On 1 July 2026, Sushi Kuuya welcomed Shimpei Tokoyama, ninth-generation head of Tokoyama Shuzo, to our intimate omakase counter in Langsuan, Bangkok for a special Jozan Sake Pairing Dinner.
For one evening, our ten-seat counter brought together two Japanese crafts: Chef Goji Kobayashi’s seasonal omakase and a selection of Jozan sake presented personally by the man behind the brewery.
Guests experienced a 16-course omakase menu paired with seven Jozan sakes, with Shimpei sharing the stories, philosophy and craftsmanship behind the sake he brews.
From Fukui to the Sushi Kuuya Counter in Bangkok
Founded in 1804 in Fukui, Japan, Tokoyama Shuzo has continued its sake-making tradition for more than 200 years.
Today, ninth-generation Shimpei Tokoyama carries that heritage forward while bringing his own approach to the brewery’s next chapter.
Jozan is closely connected to the terroir of Fukui, from its local rice to the natural water flowing from the Echizen Mountains. The brewery is particularly known for sake with clarity, structure and a clean, dry finish designed to complement food.
Having Shimpei at the Sushi Kuuya counter in Bangkok gave our guests an opportunity to experience Jozan beyond what is written on a bottle.
Throughout the evening, he personally introduced the sake, explaining the thought behind each expression and how differences in rice, polishing and brewing can shape what we experience in the glass.
16 Courses, 7 Sakes, One Pairing Experience
For this special dinner, Chef Goji Kobayashi created a 16-course omakase menu to be enjoyed alongside seven expressions from Jozan.
The evening featured:
CHOU
TOBI
KIWAMI
MIYAMANISHIKI VINTAGE 2024
YAMADANISHIKI VINTAGE 2024
ETSUZANJAKUSUI
FUNABAHATSUZUME ZUIICHI
Rather than simply serving sake alongside sushi, the dinner explored how sake can become part of the progression of an omakase meal.
Acidity, umami, aroma, texture, temperature and the finish of each sake were considered alongside the flavours and techniques of Chef Goji’s dishes.
It was a conversation between sushi and sake — and between chef and brewer.
Meeting the Person Behind the Sake
One of the most meaningful parts of a sake pairing is understanding the person behind the bottle.
At Sushi Kuuya, we believe that knowing where something comes from — and meeting the people who dedicate themselves to producing it — can change the way we experience it.
For this dinner, our guests were able to hear directly from Shimpei Tokoyama, not simply about how to taste Jozan, but about the ideas and craftsmanship behind the sake he makes.
It transformed the pairing from seven glasses of sake into a deeper understanding of the brewery, its history and the people continuing its tradition.
Bringing Japanese Craftsmanship Together in Bangkok
Sushi and sake share many of the same values: seasonality, craftsmanship, respect for ingredients and attention to details that may not always be visible.
The Sushi Kuuya x Jozan Sake Pairing Dinner was created around these shared values.
For Chef Goji and the Sushi Kuuya team, collaborations like this are an opportunity to bring our guests closer to the producers behind what we serve — whether they are fishermen, farmers, artisans or sake brewers.
Having a ninth-generation brewer travel from Fukui to stand behind our small counter and present his own sake made this evening particularly special.
Thank you to Shimpei Tokoyama and the Jozan team for sharing their craft and stories with us, and to everyone who joined us for this special evening.
About Sushi Kuuya
Sushi Kuuya is an intimate omakase restaurant in Langsuan, Bangkok, led by Japanese Chef Goji Kobayashi.
Our omakase experience focuses on seasonal Japanese ingredients, traditional techniques and warm hospitality, accompanied by a carefully curated sake selection.
Through special dinners and sake pairings, Sushi Kuuya continues to connect our guests in Bangkok with Japanese chefs, brewers, producers and artisans who share a dedication to their craft.
Sushi Kuuya
Langsuan, Bangkok, Thailand
Traditional Omakase | Seasonal Japanese Ingredients | Curated Sake Pairing
Discover Sushi Kuuya and reserve your seat through our website.