Snake-bitten: The one and only Awich has produced a new stylish and sexy habu sake, “HABUSH”
Text & Photo: Atsuko Tanaka / Edit: B SABURO
Awich, a rapper from Okinawa also known as “Queen of Japanese Hip Hop" has produced a habu sake called "HABUSH". It is now available on the official website. Prior to the release, a press conference was held for the media.
Okinawa has nurtured many rich cultures by using the wisdom inherited from its predecessors since ancient times. Blessed with its beautiful nature, many people visit from all over the globe. Among the culture, Okinawa is proud of its habu sake, which is said to have a history of several hundred years. Habu sake is usually made by soaking habu snake in awamori with medicinal herbs. Habu has the vitality to live for 100 days with only water, and contains abundant amino acids which is said to be good for nutrition and tonic.
However, there are many people who shy away from habu sake due to its unique and strong impact. In order to overturn such an image, Awich was challenged to produce a stylish "HABUSH" for modern adults.
“Okinawa has a lot of things that the world can be proud of, such as its unique culture and nature. Every time I go back to Okinawa I feel love from people in Japan and around the world. As I grew older, I came to think I could convey the culture and charm of Okinawa to more people through being an artist. As a first step, I produced habu sake. I’d like to share with everyone the wisdom of life cultivated by the people of Okinawa. By doing so, I hope I will be able to help the people of Okinawa have confidence in their own culture”.
As for why she likes habu sake, she said, “I think habu sake is filled with the romance of the people in old Okinawa. When they heard there was snake wine that was made in China long ago, they decided to take advantage of habu's vitality and make it into their own vitality. I like it because I can feel the strength and toughness packed into habu sake”.
“When you hear habu sake, you may think it’s difficult to drink, smelly, or scary, but we carefully prepared it to eliminate the smell of habu and blended it with 13 kinds of herbs based on the theory of Chinese herbal medicine. By doing that, we were able to create a dry spirit with a refreshing flavor and sharpness that is not found in conventional habu sake”.
As for the future development of the brand, she said there are four major plans. “First of all, we are going to start introducing it in bars and clubs and during the launch period, we have a “HABUSH Club Tour”. Next, we will collaborate with people from various scenes and produce limited goods. After that, we will form a girl group "HABUSH GIRLS" and then create a place where you can have a unique experience in Okinawa. Details will be announced on the official social media account, so please keep an eye on it”.
We asked Awich about the memories she has experienced with habu sake. “We held an after party for the Budokan concert right here (at Fumin Yugi Lion), and we had a toast before the release of HABUSH. I was deeply moved by everyone wishing for the growth of the company and Okinawa in the future”.
By the way, in Okinawa the feeling of being in a good mood after drinking is said to be "Ii-anbe". “HABUSH gives me that feeling. I didn’t like drinking a lot of weak alcohol and feeling full. I made an ideal drink with HABUSH”.
Awich recently appeared on the popular TV show "Matsuko Kaigi" and shared the story with us. "I've always liked Matsuko-san, and read her books. I think she has been bringing on unusual people like myself and having them acknowledged into the world. I thought she’s a great person for what she does. She deeply understood every word I said, and I was able to reaffirm what I’ve done so far. I got so much inspiration that I can use in the future.”
Finally, we asked if she could look back on this year and express it in a single kanji character. She answered “I think it’s “超 (to exceed)”. I was asked the same thing in the beginning of this year, and I felt like I was going overcome various things that I thought I couldn't do before. I always wanted to make it a year that symbolizes “超”. The same goes for the concert in Budokan, and I had the opportunity to meet people in the media. I felt I was able to transcend my own framework. I will continue to take on challenges and I hope I can give encouragement to everyone”. We look forward to see what she can bring us next.
HABUSH
Ingredients: Awamori, Habu Extract, 13 Kinds of Herbs
Vol.: 35%
Content Net: 500 Ml
Long Live Okinawan Wisdom.
For pleasure and prosperity.
HABUSH Website: