When you think of Japan, chocolate isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. Even less so the idea of combining cacao and sake. But get used to it: since 2009, master chocolatier Shigeyuki Oishi has been bringing together Japanese elegance and the art of chocolate. And the result? Aromatic blends which transport you to a faraway land, subtle flavours and a constant balance in which delicacy is key.

Created at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris so that Japan could have representation there, the brand Tokyo Chocolate now has two shops and picked up the “Tablette d’or” at the 2016 salon. Oishi splits his time between conferences and creations. His speciality is mixing certain types of ganache with sake. After all, why not?