Sake Brands
in Aichi

"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.

"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.

"Sachimusume" was one of the representative local sakes of Chita District, once brewed by Nomura Shuzo. Named with the wish that happiness reaches the drinker, it supported local tables with its simple and warm flavor. Due to the closure of the brewery, it is no longer newly produced, but the peace and joy that a single cup once brought remain as precious memories in the hearts of those who loved it at the time.

"Odai no Mai" is a brand created to honor Lady Odai, the mother of Tokugawa Ieyasu and a historic heroine of Higashiura-cho. Using locally grown eco-friendly rice and traditional techniques like steaming in cedar koshiki, it is carefully brewed with commitment. Characterized by a gentle throat-feel and pure aftertaste that evokes a mother's affection. It is a heart-warming drop filled with pride and gratitude for local history, suitable for celebrations and souvenirs.

"Ikujii" is the soulful sake brand that has supported the founding of Harada Shuzo. Its name originates from a legendary well near the brewery where Prince Yamato Takeru is said to have stopped during his eastern expedition. Like the well water that has survived long history, it features a flavor that combines strength with a dignified refreshingness. Adhering to the belief in traditional "handmade" methods, it is a masterpiece where one can enjoy a profound yet sharp umami, conveying the land's history and the brewer's passion with every sip.

"Heishu-san" is a brand created with respect for Hosoi Heishu, a Confucian scholar from Higashiura-cho known as the teacher of Uesugi Yozan, the famous lord of the Yonezawa Domain. Heishu's teaching of "starting with what is around you" is expressed in the form of sincere sake brewing rooted in the local community. Characterized by an intellectual, refreshing aroma and a consistent, clean aftertaste. It is a deep flavor to be enjoyed leisurely while thinking of the aspirations of the great man the region is proud of.

"Koromogaura Wakamizu" is a masterpiece of local production for local consumption, concentrating the rich blessings of Aichi. Named after "Kinuura Bay," which Higashiura-cho faces, and using 100% of the prefecture's sake rice "Wakamizu." Brewed only with local water and rice, its taste truly embodies "true local sake." It features a simple yet sturdy umami of rice and a calmly spreading refreshing flavor. It delivers the luxury of tasting the local terroir itself to your table.

"Kankun" is a representative brand of Maruichi Shuzo, released with the wish to create "sake that earns a crown-like medal." As proven by its astounding achievement of 8 consecutive gold medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, its perfection is extremely highly regarded. Characterized by a rich umami and vivid throat-feel born from high-quality Agui rice and clear subsoil water. It is a supreme masterpiece condensing the passion of the brewers, truly worthy of the name "medal" (Kun).

"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.

"Tomiyoshi" was the flagship brand of Uchida Shuzo, which was familiar to local people in the former Chita District. With a simple yet deep flavor that evoked the gentle climate of the Chita Peninsula, it brightened local tables and festive occasions. Currently, it is no longer possible to see this brand due to the brewery's closure, but as an important brand carved into the brewing history of Chita, its name is still passed down among local sake lovers.

"Toyota Masamune" is a brand filled with love for the region, born in 1959 to celebrate the historic turning point of Toyota City's renaming. Using the blessings of the Yahagi River, carefully polished rice, and low-temperature fermentation, it brings out a solid rice umami within a crisp, light mouthfeel. Characterized by a slightly dry profile and delicate aroma, its refined flavor that pairs well with any dish is its charm. It is a proud drop representing the local area, continuing to walk alongside the city of Toyota.

"Shikishima" is a moving brand that has achieved a miraculous revival after a long sleep of 21 years. With history and pride as a brewery once praised as the "Yokozuna" rank and the largest in the Chubu region, it has been breathed back to life through mineral-rich local well water and the tireless challenge of the 9th generation head, Yu Ito. Its true essence lies in the powerful rice umami followed by a clean and crisp finish that gracefully disappears. Not just following tradition, it is starting to carve a new legend, aiming for a sake that is called the most delicious in the current era.

"Hatsuyumezakura" is a historical masterpiece that inherits the soul of Amano Shuzo, founded in 1848 at the end of the Edo period. In Kamezaki, where the tradition of brewing lives on, craftsmen converse with each grain of rice, and the flavor produced only through manual work is the very embodiment of the Chita terroir. True to its pure name suitable for the New Year, an elegant aroma and graceful umami spread in the mouth. Inheriting the feelings of past fans and continuing to evolve, this traditional drop still gorgeously brightens the tables of many people in local Handa.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"Owari Otokoyama" is a representative brand of Owari, infused without stint with the traditional techniques of Morita, which has over 350 years of history. Bearing the name "Otokoyama," which echoes across the country, it balances a strength reminiscent of heroic tales with a clean and clear finish. Its lineup, including Daiginjo, has long been cherished as a sake for celebratory occasions and as a drink that pairs well with daily meals. It is a proud flavor of Owari where tradition and dignity reside.

"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.

"Nagomizakura" is a brand of Morita, as its name suggests, with the wish to be a sake that relaxes people's hearts and gently stays by them, like the cherry blossoms that symbolize Japanese spring. Utilizing the superior techniques of the prestigious company also renowned for miso and soy sauce brewing, it achieves a calm and soft mouthfeel. Its delicately spreading umami evokes the gorgeousness and comfort of a cherry blossom viewing banquet. It is a healing drink that adds color to daily tables and calmly presents time with loved ones.