Japanese Program Outing to the North American Sake Brewery & Bad Luck Ramen Restaurant

On Monday 11/17, forty-nine students and faculty members of the UVA Japanese program visited the North American Sake Brewery (NASB) in downtown Charlottesville. The idea for the outing originated in Yasuda Sensei’s JPTR 3601 (Transnational Japanese Cultures) class which had been discussing how food and drink can forge meaningful connections between people across cultures, languages, and histories.

NASB is the only commercial sake brewery in Virginia and it specializes in original flavors unlikely to be found in a traditional Japanese brewery. The proprietor, Mr. Andrew Centofante, gave a tour of the production facilities and an overview of the brewing process. He spoke about how he learned the craft of sake by living and apprenticing at a centuries-old brewery in Japan. Mr. Centofante also explained that once he returned to the US, he had to innovate to put together his brewing operation since importing all the materials and equipment from Japan would not have been feasible. His tale of initiative, perseverance, and cross-cultural success was inspiring to the trip’s attendees, who ranged from Japanese majors and minors, and members of the Japanese pod at the Shea House language dorm, to students just starting to explore their interest in the Japanese language and Japanese culture. “What impressed me the most was [Mr. Centofante’s] passion,” said third year Computer Science major Isaac You. “It was inspiring to see how passion can overcome practical challenges and create new possibilities.”

The visit concluded with a meal at Bad Luck Ramen, where students and faculty enjoyed izakaya-style dishes and time together. Fourth year Japanese and Computer Science double major Lilli Hrincir said: “I loved seeing the Japanese department come together for this. As a fourth year, I am not caught up with the newer members in the Japanese department, and it warmed my heart to see all of the younger members.”

This outing was made possible by generous sponsorship from the College Council and the Jefferson Trust, as well as the Institute of World Languages, the East Asia Center, and the Dept. of East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.

North American Sake Brewery and Bad Luck Ramen are located at 522 2d Street SE, Charlottesville, 22902 at IX Art Park.