138: How making alcohol from trees could give rural Japan a buzz

<div>Could drinking help the environment and rural communities? You might be surprised. Researchers in Japan have figured out how to make drinkable alcohol from wood, and the knock-on effects are much bigger than a hangover. This week, <strong>Alex K.T. Martin</strong> joins us to talk about the science — and sustainable process — behind the process that may bring cedar, oak and sakura to your next cocktail session. <br> <br> Hosted by <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-jason_jenkins/">Jason Jenkins</a> and produced by <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/david-cortez/">Dave Cortez</a>. <br> <br> <strong>On this episode:</strong> <br> Alex K.T. Martin: <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/author/int-alex-k_t_-martin/">Articles</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexktMartin?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Twitter</a><br> <br> <strong>Read more:</strong> <br> <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2022/11/28/food/japan-alcohol-wood/">Wood spirits: How Japan made the world’s first liquor from trees</a> (Alex K.T. Martin, The Japan Times)<br> <br> <strong>Get in touch:</strong> <br> Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. And don’t forget to follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/japandeepdive?lang=en">Twitter</a>!  For a transcript of the show, head to <a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/podcast_category/deep-dive/">japantimes.co.jp</a>.<br> <br> <strong>Photo:</strong> <br> <em>The huge trees that dot the Japanese countryside may be where you get your next cocktail. | JASON JENKINS </em> </div>