Kotake Shuzojo, a sake brewery in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, is running a campaign on Makuake, a major Japanese crowdfunding platform, for a three-year aging subscription of its craft gin "Akatorii SAKE GIN." The gin, made from a daiginjo sake base, is aged in American oak barrels, and supporters receive four shipments over time—capturing the flavor at year 0, 1, 2, and 3.
As part of the experience, backers write a "letter to the future" at the start of the project. The brewery keeps this letter in storage for three years and returns it along with the finished gin. The project builds on a previous Makuake campaign that reached 200% of its funding goal within three days and ultimately hit 284%, giving this new effort a strong track record to stand on. The gin's recent Silver Award at TWSC2026 (Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition) adds further credibility.
Rather than simply selling a bottle of gin, the project sells an extended experience—three years of anticipation and discovery—turning the wait itself into part of the product.
Highlights
- Aging process divided into four scheduled deliveries, effectively turning 'time' into a product
- Strong results from a previous campaign used to build trust in the new one
- A letter kept by the brewery and returned after three years creates an emotional bond with backers
- Award recognition (TWSC2026 Silver) serves as third-party proof of quality
Why this campaign attracts support
Editorial analysis based on publicly available information. It is not a confirmed account of why backers chose to give.
This project appeals to supporters because it doesn't just sell a bottle of gin—it sells the experience of sharing three years of time with the product. By delivering the gin in stages as it ages, the subscription format keeps backers engaged and curious, creating stronger involvement than a one-time purchase. The idea of the brewery holding onto a "letter to the future" and returning it alongside the finished gin transforms the purchase into a personal ritual or milestone, which resonates with anniversary gifting and commemorative consumption. The team also builds confidence among new backers by referencing concrete results from its earlier campaign—reaching 200% of its goal in three days and 284% by the end—along with the gin's TWSC2026 Silver Award, signaling that the product is already recognized for its quality. The fact that this comes from a regional sake brewery also taps into a broader desire to support local industry.
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A note from the editors
What stands out here is the idea of delivering a product still in the process of being made, structured as an ongoing subscription rather than a single transaction. Turning the gradual change in flavor during aging into something valuable in itself—and deepening the relationship with backers through the letter-keeping gesture—shows creativity rarely seen in typical one-off crowdfunding campaigns. Using past results and awards to reassure new supporters is also a smart move. For anyone designing a crowdfunding project meant to foster long-term engagement rather than a single purchase, this case offers plenty of useful ideas.