Local News

The Asahi Ceramics Research Corp. of Nagasaki Prefecture and the Saga Ceramics Research Laboratory have jointly developed a ceramic cup specifically for shochu oyuwari, a mixed drink containing shochu and hot water, in which the kaolin can be fired at low temperatures. Sold under the name of Eco-Blend Cup, it reduces the amount of fuel consumed by gas kilns in its manufacture up to 40%. Previous cups required 16 hours in the kiln at a temperature of 1,300 degrees, while the new cups require only eight hours at a temperature of 1,160 degrees.