Everyday Sake

Dive into the exciting world of sake with this vibrant, illustrated guide from Yoko Kumano and Kayoko Akabori, the trailblazing founders of Umami Mart in Oakland.

Sake is more than just a drink for sushi night—it’s aromatic, food-friendly, and endlessly sippable. Whether you're pairing it with pizza, roast chicken, or pasta Bolognese, sake brings unexpected joy to any table.

Everyday Sake makes this iconic Japanese beverage simple, delicious, and fun. Yoko Kumano and Kayoko Akabori—founders of Umami Mart in Oakland, California—have spent more than a decade selling, sipping, and teaching all things sake. They’ve answered every real-life question—Can I serve sake in a wine glass? Is hot sake a crime? Does it go with cheese? How long does an open bottle last?—and now they’ve distilled their real-world expertise into this approachable, illustrated guide.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to drink and serve sake with confidence: how to taste and talk about sake, read bottle labels and navigate menus, and perfectly pair sake with your favorite meals. Packed with expert insights, practical tips, and helpful visuals, this book is your go-to companion for discovering the joys of sake—any day of the week!

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs