VTuber collaboration sake at Kanda Myojin Summer Festival, sake brewing company declares that it was done without permission; planning organization explains the circumstances

Concerning the ``VTuber Collaboration Sake'' planned by an event organization to coincide with the Kanda Myojin Summer Festival held from August 6th to 9th, the sake brewing company that was announced as the manufacturer has issued a statement stating that they have not given any permission whatsoever, causing controversy on X. On September 6th, the festival's executive committee denied any involvement, stating that the products in question were planned by the ``Exquisite Gourmet Food Stall Association.'' On the same day, the association also announced that it would stop accepting new orders as of August 22, saying it was "proceeding with confirmation and response to the relevant parties."

The Exquisite Gourmet Food Stall Association is an organization that organizes gourmet events. The sake used in the products was sold by Rice Shop Kiyomiya, operated by Kiyomiya Shoji (Saitama City). On August 5th, the association announced that it would be selling sake produced by Morohashi Sake Brewery (Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture) with limited edition labels from 18 groups and 20 VTubers, and began accepting orders the following day on the 6th.

However, on August 18, Morohashi Sake Brewery issued a warning that a company unrelated to the company is selling products that claim to be manufactured by the company. They explained that they do not sell or provide collaborative products. On the 28th of the same month, the Association of Exquisite Gourmet Food Stalls also temporarily suspended new orders, stating that ``certain matters have arisen that require confirmation'' and that they are currently checking with relevant parties and sorting out the facts.

On September 3, Morohashi Sake Brewery reiterated that it has no business with the organization or retailer that planned the project, and that it has "never licensed" its products. The company said it has no intention of licensing or supplying products in the future, and is relying on a lawyer to handle the matter. On the 5th, a post introducing a series of statements went viral on X, and the discrepancies with the announcement from the planning side attracted attention.

In a statement on the 6th, the Kanda Myojin Summer Festival explained that the "VTuber Collaboration Sake" was an original project of the exhibiting organization, the Exquisite Gourmet Food Stall Association. The festival only authorized the use of the name and logo for announcements within the shrine grounds, and was not involved in the planning, manufacturing, or sales of the product, or in contracts or licensing with sake brewing companies, and it was not an official product of Kanda Myojin or the festival.

According to the executive committee, the association shared the outline of the project on July 7 and discussed the use of the name and logo. A draft press release was also shared on the 13th of the same month, but the executive committee only confirmed the content of the announcement as a store opening plan and the use of the name and logo. During the festival, which ran from August 6th to 9th, the products were announced only in the association's stall space, and were not introduced in advertisements throughout the festival.

After that, the executive committee was informed by the association on August 18 that reservations would be suspended, but they were not informed of the reason or details. On September 6th, we learned that the problem was spreading on social media, and became aware of the points raised regarding contracts and permissions with sake brewing companies. The confirmed facts were summarized and the scope of involvement was announced on the same day. The company apologized, saying that the use of the name and logo caused the misunderstanding that Kanda Myojin was also involved in the planning, and explained that it would review its operational rules and information sharing with store owners.

The Exquisite Gourmet Food Stall Association has stopped accepting new orders as of August 22nd, and explained that it is not shipping any products. They refrained from making direct inquiries to Kanda Myojin, participating VTubers, sake brewing companies, and retailers, and requested that inquiries, including orders, be directed to the association. A further announcement will be made once the facts have been confirmed. The sales site also states that it will provide separate instructions to buyers about how to deal with products that have already been ordered.