Sake Brands
in Aichi

"Kunizakari" is the mainstay brand of Nakano Shuzo, with a name embodying the grand ambition: "wishing for the nation's prosperity and that our sake prospers alongside it." Embraced by the rich nature of Chita and Handa, and by refining traditional techniques since the Edo period, they continue to pursue a transparent flavor and deep umami that one never tires of. This drop, born from an attitude of viewing sake not just as a beverage but as a culture that enriches life, pairs well with various food cultures and creates moments of joy.

"Kikuishi" is the flagship brand of Urano, born from the water and climate nurtured by Mount Sanage, the sacred peak of Toyota City. Named after the chrysanthemum-shaped fossils discovered in the mountains (a natural monument), the sake embodies the sacred energy of the land. It charms with a fine texture unique to handmade methods and a gentle mouthfeel where the sweetness of rice softly spreads. The refined flavor, with a pleasant lingering finish until the last drop, elegantly colors daily meals and warmly envelops conversations with loved ones.

"Gazan" is the flagship brand of Tsurumi Shuzo, bearing a name that represents the will to stick to one's beliefs and pave one's own path. Using carefully selected Yamada Nishiki generously and perfecting traditional handmade techniques, its quality is characterized by a precise, elegant, and deep flavor. It is a supreme sake recognized worldwide, sweeping gold medals in prestigious competitions both in Japan and overseas. This masterpiece exudes an exceptional style, concealing unwavering confidence within its serenity.

"Kohen" is Kintora Shuzo's up-and-coming brand symbolizing innovation and evolution for the next generation. Meaning to undergo a dramatic transformation like a tiger changing its coat, the name embodies the determination for brewing that continues to evolve year by year. Born from a collaboration with Kato Kiyomasa of the Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai, it is characterized by an elegant finish woven from modern, sophisticated acidity and transparent sweetness. Transcending the framework of tradition, it is attracting attention worldwide as a flagship leading Nagoya's new sake culture.

"Kinshachi" is a proud brand of Morita Kinshachi Shuzo, bearing the name of the Nagoya Castle's "Golden Shachihoko" (symbol of Nagoya) with the passionate wish to be a brewery representing Aichi. Sticking to handcrafting in all processes using traditional equipment, they bring out the maximum umami from each grain of rice. Its high level of perfection, harmonizing dignified transparency and smooth mouthfeel with the gentle inherent sweetness of rice, evokes the majesty worthy of the name "Kinshachi." It is a supreme drop born in Aichi, highly acclaimed in domestic and international competitions.

"Tokugawa Ieyasu" is the supreme Daiginjo of Maruishi Jozo, holding the pride of his birthplace, Okazaki. Polishing the king of sake rice "Yamada Nishiki" to the limit, it is brewed without any compromise. The history of winning 14 gold medals in the National New Sake Appraisal is proof of overwhelming quality worthy of the "Tenkabito" (ruler of the nation). It is a masterpiece with a dignified aroma and delicate umami harmonized, enjoying unwavering popularity also as a gift.

"Azumaryu" is the flagship brand embodying the soul of Toshun Shuzo. Combining the "Azuma" (East) from founder Tobe Sato and the "Ryu" (Dragon) from the trade name Tatsutaya, the name contains the dignity of a castle town and the momentum of a rising dragon. Its hallmark is the balance between the robust, steady umami created by traditional "Yamahai" methods and a sharp, clean acidity. It is a famous sake where old and new charms resonate, possessing strength that stands up to Nagoya's richly seasoned cuisine while offering a refined aroma enjoyable in a wine glass.

"Kunpeki" is a masterpiece of Kunpeki Shuzo that combines a refreshing feel like a clear blue sky with a deep umami. To reflect the radiance of the "noble blue" hidden in its name, it is born through the resonance of the soft water of the Kiso River and the artisans' handiwork. In the series using unique Sakura yeast from the Gojo River, a lovely aroma like petals and a dignified crispness coexist. It is a premium savory sake nurtured by the land of Konan, gently releasing the drinker's five senses and filling them with a calm sense of happiness.

"Buryo Togen" is the supreme brand of Naito Jozo, expressing the utopia that everyone admires. This Junmai Daiginjo, made from the finest Yamada Nishiki painstakingly polished to 40% and brewed with the clear subsoil water of the Kiso Sansen, is truly a "Shangri-La appeared on earth." Its gorgeous and elegant aroma and smooth flavor without any impurities bring a joy that makes you feel as if you are invited to a sen-kyo (abode of wizards) where peach blossoms bloom in full glory. It is a noble and delicate masterpiece that colors special days.

"Hoshi-izumi" is a proud creation of Maruichi Shuzo, named after the stars beautifully reflected in the well used for brewing water. True to its romantic name, it features a clarity like a twinkling star and an elegant, gorgeous aroma. Its solid quality, backed by its status as a regular gold medal winner at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, is highly supported both domestically and internationally. From Daiginjo to Junmai, it delivers a rich flavor that satisfies the heart, where the warmth of manual labor and refined techniques harmonize.

"Handago" is a specialized series that evokes the pride of Chita and Handa, using 100% "Wakamizu" sake rice carefully grown by local farmers in Aichi. Based on the concept of "complementing and coloring the meal," it is brewed slowly at low temperatures to bring out a sublime balance of the rice's plump umami and gorgeous aroma. Its flavor, harmonizing a refreshing aroma reminiscent of muscat and a beautiful acidity like white wine, is truly a drink that brings a revolution to modern tables. It is a masterpiece connecting regional bonds and the future of sake.

"Houraisen" is the supreme brand that Sekiya Jozo proudly presents to the world. Its lineup, represented by "Bi," "Kuu," and "Gin," achieves delicate fine sake where elegant aroma and rice sweetness harmonize through thorough quality control and maturation technology. From "Wa," which colors daily life, to Junmai Daiginjo, considered the ultimate gift, the spirit of "Wajo Ryoshu" lives in all of them. It has won gold medals in numerous international competitions, becoming a gem that delivers excitement to sake fans worldwide, transcending the framework of Aichi local sake.

"Ichinen Fudo" is a specialized handmade brand born from "Ginjo Kobo," another face of Sekiya Jozo. True to its name "pursuing good sake with a single-minded determination without bending beliefs," it dares to use low-polished rice and makes full use of traditional techniques like Yamahai/Kimoto to draw out the powerful umami and bold body inherent in rice. Its sake quality, achieving both a heavy flavor deepened through maturation and a sharp finish, has gained immense support as an expert's "Umakuchi." It is an authentic sake where the craftsman's obsession lives, which can never be achieved by mass production.

"Nenohi" is the symbolic brand of Morita, with its name originating from the "Nenohi-no-asobi" (Amusement of the Day of the Rat), a festive New Year custom that has continued since the Heian period. It was an elegant practice where nobles of the time would go out into the fields to wish for longevity and prosperity. Inheriting that spirit to the present, it was named by the 11th generation head, Kyu-zaemon Morita. Through brewing techniques that utilize the power of microorganisms protected for many years, they pursue the deep, rich umami of rice and a dignified, mellow aroma. This drop, infused with wishes for the health and happiness of the drinker, is loved as a special flavor that evokes Japan's traditional beauty.

"Sonnoh" is the flagship brand inheriting the spirit of Yamazaki Goshi Gaisha since its founding. Impressed by the inscription "Sonnoh Hobutsu" (Revere the Emperor, Worship Buddha) at the nearby ancient temple Yusho-ji, it was named after it. Using 100% Aichi-grown rice and brewed with traditional Nanbu Toji techniques, this sake features a sharp dryness and deep umami from low-temperature aging. Combining the strength and dignity born of the Mikawa climate, it demonstrates its true value across a wide range of temperatures, from chilled to warmed.

"Kaminoi" is the flagship brand named after the history of the brewery's founding family donating a sacred rice field to Atsuta Jingu Shrine. Reflecting its history deeply involved with Shinto rituals, it features a clear, transparent, and elegant quality. It is brewed within buildings registered as Nagoya City's regional architectural assets, combining traditional techniques with modern knowledge. It is a drop housing a sacred resonance and reliable quality, highly valued for celebrations and as gifts.

"Hakurou" is the representative brand symbolizing the spirit of Sawada Shuzo. "Haku" (White) represents the sincerity of cherishing rice and polishing it until it is pure white, and "Rou" (Old/Longevity) was named with a wish for "longevity" and respect for "skilled technique." They pursue a "rich and savory flavor" that stands up to the powerful food culture of the Chita Peninsula, such as bean miso and tamari. Through traditional methods using Wagama and Koshiki, the life force of rice is sealed within the sake. Its solid umami, which does not fade over time, is a masterpiece that deeply permeates the drinker's heart.

"Sanso" (Mountain Villa) is a premium line of Tsurumi Shuzo, inspired by a quiet residence in the mountains away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It pursues a clear and refined quality, like a flower blooming with dignity in serene air. The flavor, woven from the clear water of the Kiso River and carefully selected rice, brings comfort as if relaxing in a heart's hideaway. With achievements such as winning the gold medal at the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, its exceptional purity is praised by professionals, making it a masterpiece for those in the know.

"Kiso Sansen" is a brand that can be called the origin of Naito Jozo, bearing respect for the three great rivers (Kiso, Nagara, and Ibi) that moisten the Nobi Plain and the blessings of water. Brewed with clear soft water containing moderate minerals, its flavor is incredibly gentle. The solid umami nurtured by Owari's rich nature richly enhances the flavor of regional and home-cooked dishes. Clear as water and close to daily meals, it is a trusted local sake that has been loved for a long time.

"Nito" (Two Rabbits) is the new flagship of Maruishi Jozo, born in 2015 under the bold concept of "Only he who chases two rabbits gets both." It pursues the simultaneous achievement of seemingly contradictory elements such as "taste and aroma," "acidity and umami," "heaviness and lightness," and "sweetness and dryness" at an extreme balance. Featuring freshness, a clean finish, and perfect fusion with food, its quality transcends traditional brewing frames and continues to fascinate enthusiasts worldwide.

"Gengen" is a premium brand used by Yamazaki Goshi Gaisha only for specific products. As its name suggesting a "phantom" implies, it features rarity and limited distribution through specialty stores. Valuing traditional hand-crafting processes, it achieves a refined aroma and transparent flavor. Known to those in the know as an exquisite bottle for gifts or special occasions.

"Togenkyo" is a proud Junmai Daiginjo of Naito Jozo, infused with the wish for a peaceful and beautiful ideal world. Through the artistic high polishing of Yamada Nishiki rice to 35%, it achieves an incredibly clear and dignified flavor. It is designed as a perfect "food-pairing sake" that never disturbs the deliciousness of dishes but rather gently enhances their charm. The sophisticated brilliance that spreads with every sip will transform a luxurious dinner into an ideal time of peace.

"Gahojin" is the pinnacle brand of Nakano Shuzo, born to celebrate the moments when people meet and hearts connect. Bearing a Zen term meaning "encounters are the beginning of life" as its name, it was brewed aiming for a "new reaching point" of evolving Japanese sake. Pouring in all the techniques cultivated by the long-established brewery of Chita and Handa, it achieves a deep aroma that awakens unknown emotions and an ultimate, refined, and dignified flavor. It is a one-of-a-kind, artistic bottle that brightens special moments.

"Shikaiou" is the flagship brand named with the grand ambition of Fukui Shuzo to become the "King of the Four Seas," meaning the world's best brewery. It symbolizes Japan surrounded by the four seas—Pacific, Japan Sea, East China Sea, and Okhotsk—and the name reaches out to the world. Using carefully selected Yamada Nishiki and Yume Ginga, and brewed carefully through small-batch production, this sake boasts high perfection where a gorgeous aroma, deep rice umami, and a refreshing finish are integrated. It has received high evaluations in numerous international competitions and is a supreme bottle that Aichi is proud of, flying from Toyohashi to the world.

"Yume no Kanbai" (The Dreaming Winter Plum) is a brand that possesses the pure and strong vitality of a plum blossom blooming with dignity, enduring the freezing cold of winter. The word "Yume" (Dream) embodies the passion for pursuing ideals, and its quality is incredibly neat and smooth. In particular, its long-aged koshu (aged sake) won world recognition as a champion at the Oriental SAKE Award, possessing a deep body and elegance nurtured by the magic of time. It is a romantic masterpiece that packs the silence of winter and the scent of plum announcing the arrival of spring into a single cup.