Sake Brands
in Okayama

ORIGIN is an innovative brand brewed jointly by Okayama ZARU. Under the concept of "Source," it uses water from the headwaters of the Takahashi River, Okayama's "mother river," as part of its brewing water. Brewed individually by five breweries (Morita Shuzo, Kumaya Shuzo, Juuhachisakari Shuzo, Sankan Shuzo, and Yoikigen), its appeal lies in its diversity, where each brewery expresses its own individuality while following the same concept. Using Okayama's "Omachi rice" and blending the traditional techniques of Bitchu Toji with the new sensibilities of young brewers, it aims for a well-balanced sake quality that is fresh yet allows the rich umami of the rice to be firmly felt.

Satsuki Kokoro is the flagship brand of Manzai Shuzo, a sake that expresses the seasonality and natural environment of Okayama. The name "Satsuki" (May) symbolizes the season of fresh greenery, representing a refreshing taste and a sake brewed thoughtfully with heart. Using Okayama's premium "Omachi rice" and brewed with the water of the Asahi River, it is characterized by a light quality that still allows for rich umami. Crafted with traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it offers a clean, light mouthfeel and is enjoyed as a food-pairing sake for local cuisine.

Kibino Ginpoo is the flagship brand of Itano Shuzojo, a sake that expresses the history of the ancient Kingdom of Kibi and the rich nature of Okayama. The name "Kibi" represents the ancient Kingdom, and "Ginpoo" symbolizes the aroma of Ginjo brewing, collectively representing the fusion of tradition and technique. Using premium sake rice and subterranean water, this Ginjo sake is carefully crafted using Bitchu Toji techniques and features a gorgeous aroma. It is widely popular as a food-pairing sake that perfectly complements local Okayama dishes and seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.

Futamo is the flagship brand of Itano Shuzohonten, a sake set against the backdrop of Okayama's history and culture. It is said to represent the two sides of things, symbolizing a well-balanced quality crafted with traditional Bitchu Toji techniques. Using premium "Omachi rice" and subterranean water, it offers a taste that is light yet delivers a solid sense of the rice's umami. With its clean mouthfeel and well-balanced acidity, it is a popular food-pairing sake for regional Okayama cuisine.

Kinojo is named after the ancient mountain fortress in Okayama, expressing historical romance and traditional culture. Using the mysterious fortress as a motif, it aims for a quality that combines strength and delicacy with Bitchu Toji techniques. It is characterized by a balanced taste of body and umami, evoking the dignity of the ancient castle and Okayama's environment.

Sake Hitosuji is the flagship brand of Toshimori Shuzo, embodying the philosophy of "sincerely facing the task of sake brewing." The name reflects the passion of the Toji and workers who have dedicated their lives solely to brewing with 100% "Omachi rice." It is characterized by a mellow taste with plump umami and deep afterglow crafted with traditional Bitchu Toji techniques. With well-balanced acidity and sweetness, it is highly regarded as a food-pairing sake for Okayama's regional dishes.

Haruka is a brand expressing "thoughts of far-off places" and the "pursuit of brewing across time and space." The name embodies the brewery's stance of taking on new challenges while preserving tradition for the distant future. Using premium "Omachi rice," it is characterized by a delicate yet deep taste crafted with Yoshii River groundwater. It achieves a harmony between a clean mouthfeel and elegant aroma, pairing well with a wide range of dishes.

Tenkabito is a brand possessing strength and character, expressing the dignity of a ruler. It symbolizes a stately quality using "Omachi rice" and groundwater from the Yoshii River system. Characterized by a rich taste and powerful structure, it pairs well with richly seasoned dishes and meat. It is a robust label that maintains its integrity even when served warm.

Tsurunoike is the flagship brand of Kosaka Shuzo, expressing the elegant scene of a crane landing on a pristine pond. The name embodies wishes for clear water, beautiful nature, and the crane as a symbol of longevity. Using "Omachi rice" and Yoshii River groundwater, it offers a light taste with a solid sense of rice umami. With a clean mouthfeel, elegant aroma, and balanced acidity, it pairs well with Okayama cuisine and Setouchi seafood.

Jitsugetsu is the flagship brand of Komiyama Shuzo, expressing the harmony and laws of nature represented by the sun and moon. The name embodies the fundamental brewing philosophy of the cycle of day and night, the balance of yin and yang, and harmony with nature. Brewed with Okayama's "Omachi rice," Yoshii River groundwater, and traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a well-balanced taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, its harmonious quality of contrasting elements makes it a popular food-pairing sake.

Kodai is a brand by Yamamoto Shuzo, expressing the ancient history and traditions of the Mimasaka region. The name embodies respect for the prosperity of the ancient Kingdom of Kibi and the rich historical culture of Mimasaka. Using Okayama brewing rice and pristine water from the upper Yoshii River, it features a balanced taste of richness and umami. It is cherished as a label that conveys ancient brewing traditions to the present day and evokes the terroir of Mimasaka.

Kikumusume is a brand by Yamamoto Shuzo, likened to a maiden bringing joy and happiness. The name embodies the wish to bring joy to drinkers and to be a beloved sake for a long time. Using Okayama brewing rice and pristine water from the upper Yoshii River, it features a soft mouthfeel and gentle taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that complements Mimasaka's regional cuisine.

Koro was a brand by Endo Shuzojo, expressing a clear and beautiful sake like glistening dew. The name embodied the wish for the sake to be as pure as morning dew and to shine like light. Using Okayama brewing rice and pristine water from the upper Yoshii River, and brewed with Bitchu Toji techniques, it was characterized by a light and refreshing taste. Although cherished as a brand expressing the terroir of the Mimasaka region, production is currently suspended.

Daikoshu is a traditional brand of Hattori Honke Shuzojo, a sake cherished for a long time. The name expresses the deep flavor resulting from long-term aging and the depth of sake nurtured over time. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Setouchi water, and Bitchu Toji traditional techniques, it features a balanced richness and umami. It pairs well with Seto Inland Sea seafood and local cuisine, being a long-loved brand in the Ushimado region.

Orizuru is a brand by Hattori Honke Shuzojo, expressing the crane as a symbol of peace and happiness. The name embodies the wish to bring happiness and peace to drinkers, just like the wishes folded into a paper crane. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Setouchi water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features an elegant and delicate taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that goes well with Setouchi seafood.

Yushun is a brand by Hattori Honke Shuzojo, expressing the arrival of spring and abundance. The name embodies the wish for the sake to bring warmth like spring and rich blessings. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Setouchi water, and Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a soft mouthfeel and gorgeous aroma. Cherished for its gentle and mild taste evocative of the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea.

Senju is the flagship brand of Koso Shuzo, an auspicious sake embodying wishes for a thousand years of longevity and prosperity. The name expresses the desire to bring longevity and happiness to drinkers and to be a beloved sake for a millennium. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Setouchi water, and traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a well-balanced taste. Light yet delivering solid rice umami, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that goes well with Setouchi seafood and local cuisine.

Kiwamihijiri is the flagship brand of Miyashita Shuzo, combining "mastery" and "sacredness" to aim for the highest quality sake. The name embodies a strong ambition to refine brewing techniques and spirituality to the limit, aiming for a sake that reaches a sacred realm. Brewed with Okayama's "Omachi rice" and Asahi River groundwater, it features a rich and full-bodied taste. Thanks to Bitchu Toji techniques, one can enjoy the plump umami unique to Omachi rice and a deep finish, making it highly acclaimed for pairing with Okayama cuisine and rich dishes.

Tenrai is the flagship brand of Kobayashi Honten, expressing blessings from heaven and the laws of nature. The name embodies gratitude for the blessings pouring down from the heavens and the cycles of nature. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Asahi River groundwater, and traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a light taste with solid rice umami. With a clean mouthfeel, elegant aroma, and balanced acidity, it is cherished as a food-pairing sake that matches well with Okayama's regional cuisine.

Bizen is a brand by Tamaizumi Shuzo, expressing the traditions and culture of the Bizen region, famous for Bizen ware. The name embodies pride in Bizen's historical cultural heritage and the region. Brewed with Okayama brewing rice, Yoshii River groundwater, and traditional Bitchu Toji techniques, it features a balanced richness and umami. Said to taste even better when enjoyed in Bizen ware cups, it is a brand enjoyed with Bizen's regional cuisine and pottery.