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'Nigorin Sour' - Sake with Lactic Bacteriumby Kiku-Masamune Known for the adorable white cat on its packaging, 'Nigorin' is a type of sake that contains lactic bacterium. A new variety of the sake, 'Nigorin Sour', has just been released in 350 ml cans. With just 3% alcohol and a light fresh taste, this new sake is characteristically easy on the tongue. With rice as its base ingredient, Nigorin is made using the traditional 'kimoto' sake brewing process. The resulting lactic bacterium gives the sake its special sweet and sour taste. Moreover, through the fermentation of the lactic bacterium, Nigorin becomes rich in D-amino acids. The process also gives birth to a rare component called 'D-asparagine acid', which has a skin-beautifying effect. While the original 'Nigorin' sake is only available at select restaurants and bars, new 'Nigorin Sour' is available for purchase at convenience stores and other retail outlets. To get more information on where you can pick it up, please check the official Nigorin Facebook page or follow the company on twitter Twitter @kiku_nigorin . Report from the Kiku-Masamune Brewery The maker of Nigorin is the long-established Kiku-Masamune Brewery, which has continuously produced dry Japanese sake for over 350 years. In January of 2012, we visited Kiku-Masamune's 'Kahogura' brewery in the Nada district of Kobe City. Just as in the past, the 'Kahogura' only brews sake in the colder seasons. During October, brewers literally move into the building and spend about half a year producing sake. The traditional process of brewing Japanese sake involves the following three-steps: 1. 'Koji' (fermenting of rice-mold mixture); 2. 'Moto' (the 'yeast mash') and 3. 'Tsukuri' (the making of 'sake'). Among these steps, the 'Moto' ('yeast mashing'), which is also known as 'Shubo', is extremely important. Most large-scale makers of sake buy commercially produced lactic acid and add it to the 'Shubo' ('yeast mash') in order to ward off decomposition. Kiku-Masamune, on the other hand, has passed down the traditional 'Kimoto-tsukuri' process that produces lactic bacterium. This, in turn, naturally prevents the decomposition of 'Shubo'. With tools such as 'hankiri taru' ('half-casks') and 'dakitaru' ('hot-air casks'), many of which have been used for over half a century, the brewers manually calibrate heat through traditional techniques that have been utilized since the Edo Period. These include 'dakisosa' (hot-air management) and 'kai-ire' ('paddling'). The result of this 'Shubo' process is Nigorin. Put simply, this liqueur is an authentically-brewed Japanese sake. The person with the most responsibility at the brewery is 'Tamba Toji' ('head brewer') Kiyoteru Ojima. He states: "Though we gradually try to make small improvements to the process, we fundamentally strive to follow the traditional methods that have been passed down over hundreds of years. There are small breweries that can survive by creating and selling traditional 'kimoto-tsukuri' sake. However, we are the only large-scale facility that still uses the 'kimoto-tsukuri' brewing process. Others have tried to imitate us, but they have not succeeded. If we only considered costs, we would streamline the process. There are now machines for controlling things such as taste and temperature. However, rice and 'Shubo' are living things. If you tried to control them with machines, it would no longer be 'kimoto-tsukuri'. Moreover, the heart of the Japanese sake brewing tradition would be lost. The process that is most important to me is the steaming of the rice. We polish and steam 'Yamada Nishiki' rice from Hyogo Prefecture, which is considered to Japan's best. Each year, the qualities of the rice differ. Therefore, depending on its conditions, we have to re-calibrate temperatures and processing times. If we used a lower-quality rice and thought only of streamlining our operations, we couldn't make good sake. The only way we can craft dry and delicious sake is by following traditional processes and continuing to use quality ingredients." Visitors can experience 'Kimoto-tsukuri' and the historical processes behind Japanese sake at the 'Kiku-Masamune Kinenkan'.

'Cat-label Solid Chocolates' by DEMEL　1,890 yen (25 bars per box)　DEMEL During the long imperial reign of the Habsburg family, Demel was born in Austria at the Konditorei Cafe in 1786. As the Austrian royal purveyor of chocolate for the over 200 years, sweets by Demel have become popular throughout the world. Among the company's many confectionaries, cat-lovers are most drawn to the 'langue de chat' (cat's tongue) shaped Cat-label Solid Chocolates. These classic velvety chocolates simply melt in your mouth. Because the packaging features the image of a cat making a big lick, many people use the lovely boxes to store their keepsakes after finishing off the chocolates. There are three flavors to choose from - Sweet, Milk and Hazelnut.

Cat-themed Cosmetics from 'Paul & Joe'PAUL & JOE BEAUTE Paul & Joe Blusher Stick Make Up - Available in 3 Colors 3,150 yen each (tax incl./limited edition item)
 Paul & Joe Matte Pressed Powder - 5,250 yen (tax incl./limited edition item) Founded by the cat-loving designer, Sophie Albou, the Paul & Joe brand has launched a new a series of cat-themed cosmetics. The cheek sticks come in the shape of a cat wearing a bow tie and top hat. Moreover, they feature well-matched oils and pigments that will go great with your skin. Paul & Joe's Matte Pressed Powder is highly transparent and made from clear plate powder, which gives your skin a translucency like you are wearing a veil. In addition to absorbing many of the oils in your skin, the Matte Control Powder features the silhouette of a cat. If this isn't enough to satisfy cat-lovers, the powder puff even has the image of a feline's little paw!

nanoblock 'American Shorthair' 787 yen　amazon.co.jp 'Nanoblocks' are a minature form of 'Diablocks', which is a series of building blocks produced by Kawada Company Limited. More specifically, each nanoblock is half the size of a Diablock (with just 1/8th the volume ratio). Each raised dot is merely 4 millimeters across. By introducing an 'American Shorthair' as part of their Mini Collection Series, nanoblock is getting the attention of cat-lovers. By putting together the pile of small blocks, you can create a roundly-shaped cat. Experienced nanoblock builders can even take up the challenge of matching the shorthair's paws with the pink of its nose.

'Nigorin Sake with Lactic Bacterium' 　by Kiku-Masamune The eye-catching bottles of 'Nigorin Sake with Lactic Bacterium' are decorated with an adorable white cat. The power of living lactic bacterium has been harnessed since the Edo Period. This rich-tasting sweet-and-sour liqueur comes from the traditional 'kimoto' sake brewing process. During the late-1960s and early 70s, the Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery broadcasted TV commercials that featured a black cat. The cute black cat became so popular that many people borrowed its name of 'Kikumasa' when selecting a name for their own cats. Almost fifty years later, the Kiku-Masamune Brewery created a new 'pure white' sake similar to their renowned 'Doburoku' brand. The 'Nigorin' cat was created to characterize the 'fluffy' and smooth taste of this new white sake. We recommend that you drink Nigorin sake on the rocks in a specially made tumbler featuring the image of 'Nigorin' the white cat. It goes well with meat dishes and foods such as pizza and cheese. 'Nigorin Sake with Lactic Bacterium' is only available at select restaurants and bars (Click here for list).

Kuniyoshi Utagawa's 'Playful Cats' Sticky Post-it Notes　525 yen　by Benrido These post-it notes are based on the work of late-Edo Period master of woodblock prints, Nihonbashi-born Kuniyoshi Utagawa (1798-1861). Using innovative compositions, Kuniyoshi rendered the facial expressions and gestures of both humans and animals with an abundance of wit. Thus, it is no wonder that his works have transcended ages and continue to fascinate audiences. This set of post-it notes includes 4 different cat designs. Each energetic feline was drawn by the cat-loving Kuniyoshi. When the funny cats peak out from the edge of your paperwork, they will definitely attract attention. In addition to cats, the 'Goldfish People' and 'Animals at Play' series' of Kuniyoshi post-it notes are also available. Collection of Tokyo National Museum / Brushwork by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

New from Mujirushi - 'Post-it notes made from the paper of reforested trees'. Comes with 3 cat shapes - each with 20 sheets. 525 yen muji.net Mujirushi post-it notes now come in a variety of cat-shapes. Though they won't offer you much space to write, they do make for a fun way to decorate your desk. Looking at the 3 silhouettes will surely make you want to take up a pen and add your own facial expressions and patterns. Dog-shaped post-it notes are also available.

Cat Goods by Laduree Starting from the top: Mirror Key Ring 2,730 yen; Wind Key Ring 2,940 yen; Purse and Mini Towel Set 3,150 yen; Shopping Bag 3,000 yen. All by Les Secrets de Laduree (Laduree Japan tel. 03-6902-0384) www.laduree.com 'Laduree' is a traditional pastry shop that was established in Paris in 1862. Their brightly colored macaroons have enthralled women everywhere and even created a worldwide macaroon boom. However, Laduree's way of looking at the world is not limited to sweets. The brand has also developed stationary and wares for the home such as candles and shopping bags. They have now released a number of can't-miss items for cat lovers, including key rings and mini towel sets. Given along with macaroons, they make perfect gifts.

'Neko Mitome' ('Cat Confimation') - Animal Rubber Stamps by Kawana ￥2,450〜 Yahoo!shopping These rubber stamps of animal patterns are produced by the illustrator known as 'Kawana'. Paying attention to details such as facial expressions and whiskers, Kawana has created 24 'Neko Mitome' stamps in total, including white and black cats as well as varieties such as Russian Blue, Scottish Fold, and Siamese. Though they can't be used as official registration seals, you can select the characters of your name (up to 3 kanji characters, or 4 kana characters). You can also choose between red, green, blue and black ink. Moreover, there are 8 fonts to choose from, including Gothic, Ming and Kaisho. Kawana is also expanding into other animals, including dogs, pandas, rabbits and insects. How about making a rubber stamp of your own beloved cat or pet?

'Cat' Soap from the Gianna Rose Atelier Animal Collection ￥3,570 GPP Online Shop Scent: Tulip and Hyacinth 
Weight: 113 grams Box Size: W78mm × D78mm × H125mm Founded in 1989, 'Gianna Rose Atelier' is an American maker of bath products that specializes in European-style soaps. Based on the theme of 'soap haute couture', each bar of soap is painstakingly handcrafted in the studio. Even the packaging is designed by skilled artisans. Each solid bar of soap is ground down into powder 3 times and then molded into a final form using what is known as the 'triple-milling' process. In addition to having great cleaning power, these soaps characteristically keep their shapes for longer than most soaps due to the minimal amount of water in them. Moreover, because the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the bar, the wonderful scent is said to be long-lasting. Among the animal collection is a cat that really stands out in its cuteness. It even comes with a baby-pink ribbon around its neck. Released in its classic packaging, this cat soap makes the perfect gift.