Everyday Sake Release Party: Oakland

A sweet congratulatory gift from Sesame, A Tiny Bakery!

We launched our new book Everyday Sake with the pomp and circumstance it deserved on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. In typical Umami Mart style, we opened our doors to our friends and family who filled the room with laughter, great conversation, and cheer. Miraculously, it seemed to be the only day in the week with no wind or rain! 

While Kayoko and I have written zines in the past, this was our first time writing a book. It all came about when our book agent (and Sake Gumi member) Jonah approached us and said "Let's work on a book!" We oscillated between a few ideas including Japanese food recipes and cocktails. But there was an "aha" moment when Jonah (Sake + Shochu Talk in hand) suggested a sake book. It almost made too much sense since we've been stocking our shelves with sake since 2014 and writing about sake since the inception of Sake Gumi (our sake club), which launched in 2015.

So in 2022, Kayoko and I got to work on the proposal. Over three years, and lots of work later, the day had come: Pub(lication) Day on May 26, 2026! We set up our little signing table, restaged the store and invited y'all in. 

The front of our shop in Oakland showcasing the release of the book along with merchandise and BALLOONS!

Here are some snapshots from the party.

Kayoko at our author signing station in the Koji-kun hat.

Matt and Peter ready to pour you complimentary sake!

Our loving Shochu'sDay regulars!

Sake fans with the Jazz Bottle Bag!

We released two special edition bags for the book launch and tour.

Family and friends.

Casa de Kei served up dogs to pair with the sake being poured.

Dedicated regulars who even make sake themselves!

Stacks of signed books!

Love seeing friends mingling! 

Keeping cool by the namazakes!

Get the hat that Kayoko is wearing here!

Dumpster diving cuties!

Don't worry, these chaperones were keeping an eye on them.

Enjoying the bar!

Bookmark swag!

This book would not be possible without the help of an entire community!

"I won this."

Me, Jonah (our book agent), and Kayoko. We are missing Anders in this photo!!!

This is just the beginning of a slew of events we'll be throwing to celebrate the book. Sign up for our newsletter to keep updated on upcoming events – we may even visit you in your town.