The “Sea Folktale Town Project,” operated by the Japan Folktales Association, has collaborated around the folk tale “The Monster of Obuchi,” passed down in Nanyo, Yamagata Prefecture.
Working with two local wineries, Oura Wine and Shikinen Sudo Wine, the project has released two varieties of “The Monster of Obuchi” grape juice.
Here are the details.
About the Sea Folktale Town Project
The Sea Folktale Town Project aims to pass on Japan’s connections with the sea and local pride to children and future generations. It selects valuable maritime folktales from around Japan that contain lessons about the sea, turns them into tangible “Sea Folktale Animations,” and archives them for the next generation.
The project also designates communities where these stories have been handed down as “Sea Folktale Towns” and works with them on promotion and wider use of the stories.
About “The Monster of Obuchi” Grape Juice
Two types of grape juice have been released in collaboration with the two local wineries Oura Wine and Shikinen Sudo Wine.
1. Oura Grape Juice, Delaware, 720 ml
2. Tawawa Pure Grape Juice, additive-free, 500 ml
A scene from the folktale is used on the label.
Nanyo is known as the birthplace of grape cultivation in Yamagata Prefecture, and the juices are designed to let consumers directly enjoy the flavor of the region’s high-quality grapes.
If you’re interested, be sure to check them out.
Reference
Collaboration Overview
Product: “The Monster of Obuchi” Grape Juice
1. Oura Grape Juice, Delaware, 720 ml
2. Tawawa Pure Grape Juice, additive-free, 500 ml
Contents: Two types of grape juice
Sales began: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Price: JPY 1,200 including tax for each product
Sales locations: EKI TERRACE NANYO inside Akayu Station
Yunavi Karakoro-kan, Akayu Onsen Tourist Center
Yuzuru no Sato
Partners
Oura Wine: https://ourawine.com/
Shikinen Sudo Wine: https://giyamagata-wine.jp/maker/shikinen/