From Silver Screen to Saké: Star Cate Blanchett Joins Toku Saké as Creative Director

(Photo: Toku Saké)

The Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett takes on a new role as she joins Toku as the brand’s creative director. Toku is a Japanese saké brand and Blanchett will play a pivotal role, overseeing creative strategy and direction, including new product development and innovation.⁠

Toku, which translates as virtue in Japanese, is a brewery inspired by the seven virtues of the samurai; justice, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty, that guided their journey. The brewery resides in Asahikawa, Japan, which is located in Japan’s coldest prefecture, Hokkaido. Toku is one of the region’s oldest breweries 

Toku uses “highly polished” Yamada Nishiki rice to make their fermented rice beverage. This type of rice is considered one of the highest quality and is preferred in certain regions of Japan. 

The double Academy Award-winning actor and producer is most well-known for her roles in movies like Thor: Ragnarok, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Elizabeth and many more popular films.

“The thoughtful, reflective craftsmanship that is part and parcel of everyday life in Japan has long been a touchstone for me,” said Blanchett.

“Sake reflects these traditional values with its intense focus on method, purity and authenticity. Sitting around a table with friends and family, celebrating and breaking bread together is one of life’s great pleasures, and over the years I have had countless, joy-filled nights sharing saké in this way. I’m excited to help bring the exquisite liquid which is Toku Saké into the world market.”

Blanchett’s arrival as creative director comes at the perfect time for the beverage company as Saké’s popularity is on the rise worldwide. According to recent data by the Japan Saké and Shochu Makers Association, Japanese saké exports reached a record high of 47.5 billion Japanese yen (US$361m) in 2022, up 18% from 2021, and a 431% increase from 2012. 

According to Drinks Business, Toku’s co-founders Anthony Newman and Peter Hudson said, “We are honored to welcome Cate to the team. Her critically acclaimed background as an artist and producer, along with her passion for Japanese culture and highly selective involvement in global projects, will open new doors for our brand.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the Toku Saké vision shared and realized with the rest of the world, as sake grows in popularity in Western markets.”

To celebrate the new partnership and to show their continued commitment to the environment, Toku is working with Treeapp to plant one mangrove for every bottle sold.

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