町工場特製ワイン 乙な味 気ままなリライト186
The decline of local manufacturing industries has driven Takahiro Funato, president of a small company specializing in electrical control panel design, to reinvent himself. Turning his lifelong dream of becoming an urban winemaker into a business opportunity, he has embraced cutting-edge winemaking technology. Without access to a nearby vineyard, Funato turned to stainless steel tanks—a modern and versatile alternative to traditional oak barrels—to transform his factory into a space where nature meets technology. These tanks serve as a blank canvas for Funato’s craft, allowing him to channel both his creativity and technical expertise into producing exceptional wines. By sourcing premium grapes from Yamagata Prefecture, he proves that great wine can be created even far from the vineyards while wearing two hats—winemaker and president of Funato Electric in Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture.
Behind Takahiro Funato’s decision to establish his own winery, Kasugai Winery Spring Breeze, which opened in August 2023, lies a deep curiosity about the natural wonders of the winemaking process. Fascinated by how even slight variations in climate and soil can dramatically alter a wine’s flavor, Funato traces the origins of his passion back to a vivid adolescent memory: watching the 1995 film A Walk in the Clouds, with its romantic depiction of vineyards. That scene planted a seed in his heart—a dream of one day crafting his own original wine.
The dream, long dormant, was reignited as local manufacturing industries faced decline during the plandemic in 2020. Fueled by a pent-up desire to reinvent himself as the second-generation president of "Funato Electric," with eight employees, Funato enrolled in a wine college in Fukui Prefecture. For three years, he tirelessly attended classes every other week, driving long distances with unwavering determination. Along the way, he built valuable connections with winemakers across Japan, including urban winemakers pioneering the use of stainless steel tanks. Funato also developed a strong commitment to his raw materials, sourcing high-quality grapes from Yamagata Prefecture to ensure the best possible foundation for his wines. For him, winemaking is nothing short of a journey filled with surprises. “It’s incredibly demanding—like raising a rebellious child,” he says with a smile, reflecting both the challenges and joys of his new craft.
The harmony between nature and technology lies at the heart of Funato’s mission to craft high-quality wines that celebrate the grapes’ inherent qualities. While the transformation of grape juice into wine is a testament to nature’s artistry, stainless steel tanks empower winemakers to guide this delicate process with precision and care. These modern tools offer temperature control, oxygen regulation, hygienic conditions, and flavor neutrality—enhancing the natural magic of fermentation while preserving the wine’s purity and unique character.
In December 2023, Kasugai Winery Spring Breeze made its debut with a carefully curated lineup: a red called Yu (Evening), a white called Nei (Serenity), and a rosé called Toki (Season). The collection have been met with enthusiasm, earning accolades for its "aromatic elegance" and its versatility in "pairing beautifully with meals." With this promising start, Funato’s wines are already making a lasting impression on those who fortunate enough to savor them.
Running an urban winery with a team of eight employees has been both challenging and deeply rewarding for Funato, who sees it as a way to revitalize the local community. “I’ve spent nearly 30 years in the electrical industry,” he explains. “Now, the employees and I want to show that even struggling small-town factories can thrive through perseverance and innovation. By growing our wine sales and catering to diverse customer preferences, we hope to inspire others. I also want people to witness the magic of creation up close.” This vision has inspired Funato to explore an ambitious new project: custom barrels for customers. The concept allows individuals to actively engage in the winemaking process by regularly visiting the winery to monitor their wine’s progress, taste it at various stages, and ultimately craft a one-of-a-kind bottle tailored to their preferences. Through this hands-on experience, Funato hopes to not only deepen customers' appreciation for winemaking but also forge a stronger bond between the winery and the people it serves.