Sake Brands
in Yamagata

Tenka Gomen no Dai Fuhen-mono is a unique brand inspired by the flamboyant and free-spirited samurai Maeda Keiji, who spent his later years in Yonezawa. The name refers to the famous banner he flew, a pun on "Great Warrior" (Buhen) and "Great Inconvenience" (Fuhen), showcasing his samurai pride and wit. This sake allows enthusiasts to savor the romantic history of ancient Yonezawa alongside an anecdotal spirit that is as bold and charismatic as the man himself.

Naseba Naru takes its name from the legendary quote by Lord Uesugi Yozan: "Where there is a will, there is a way." Representing the indomitable spirit of reform that revived the Yonezawa domain, this sake is crafted by Kojima Sohonten to inspire courage and perseverance. It serves as a bottle of pride for the local community, delivering a clean and encouraging taste that celebrates the power of human determination.

Umazake, literally meaning "Delicious Sake," is a straightforward and approachable brand from Kojima Sohonten. The simple name reflects the brewery's sincere desire to provide honest quality, backed by over 420 years of technical expertise. This sake is designed for daily enjoyment, offering a well-balanced flavor that harmonizes with a wide variety of meals.

Toko Masamune combines the flagship name "Toko" with the traditional term "Masamune," symbolizing its pursuit of orthodox sake quality. Strictly adhering to techniques refined over 420 years, it focuses on delivering the inherent umami of rice with a crisp, clean finish. This brand offers a timeless and reliable flavor profile that allows enthusiasts to experience the weight of the brewery's long history and veteran craftsmanship.

Retsu is a specialized brand available only at selected retailers, designed to evoke the sharp, crisp sensation of dipping one's hand into a freezing midwinter stream. The name implies "pure and cold," and the sake delivers exactly that: a highly refined dryness balanced with a deep, vibrant interior achieved through precise aging. Primarily focusing on food pairing, Retsu is highly regarded by connoisseurs for its ability to cut through and complement sophisticated culinary dishes.

Nihon Hibiki, or "Resonance of Japan," is a prestigious Junmai Ginjo that features the Sun Disc from Uesugi Kenshin's battle flag on its label. Originally launched in the Meiji era with the wish that fine sake would resonate across the nation, it embodies the brewery's identity as a purveyor to the Uesugi family. It is characterized by an elegant aroma and a soft, harmonious balance, where the historic dignity of legendary warriors meets the sophisticated craft of modern brewers.

My Minion, meaning "My Favorite" in French, is a revolutionary type of sake crafted using a highly original method involving 100% glutinous rice (mochigome). Unlike standard sake made with non-glutinous rice, it highlights the unique sweetness and texture of glutinous rice, resulting in a rich, wine-like flavor profile. With some expressions aged for over eight years, this brand stands as a symbol of Kosaka Shuzo's innovative spirit, pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing.

Yozan is a dignified and powerful brand named in profound respect for Lord Uesugi Yozan, the legendary reformist leader of Yonezawa. Its Junmai Nama Genshu (unpasteurized and undiluted), brewed specifically during the freezing "Daikan" (the coldest peak of winter), captivates enthusiasts with its vibrant, fresh character. Honoring the indomitable spirit of Yozan, this brand offers a structured flavor profile and is highly sought after as a rare, limited-edition seasonal masterpiece.

Yukiguni Bojo, or "Nostalgia for Snow Country," is a brand filled with regional affection, capturing the winter atmosphere of Yonezawa, one of Japan's heaviest snowfall areas. The pure quality of the sake, nurtured in the silence of deep snow, tells a story of deep respect for both the harshness and beauty of nature. Its name evokes a sense of nostalgia, offering a flavor profile with a solid core and a graceful finish that warmly embraces the drinker.

Izumi Hyokan, meaning "Spring Ice Ship," is a crisp brand born from the fusion of local sake rice and pure groundwater pumped from 20 meters beneath the Azuma Mountains. As its name suggests, it embodies the dignified cold and transparency of severe midwinter, made possible by soft water with an exceptional mineral balance. With a sharp, refreshing sensation and a smooth throat-feel, it reflects Yonezawa's winter essence, cleansing the palate with its crystalline purity.

Uyo Fukutsuru is a traditional brand deeply rooted in the local community, having witnessed Shindo Shuzoten's long history. Bearing the old regional name "Uyo" (Yamagata) and the auspicious name "Fukutsuru" (Cranes of Long-lasting Fortune), it has graced local celebrations for generations. Its gentle and timeless flavor profile, which remains unchanged through the years, testifies to the reliability of the traditional techniques at the heart of the brewery.

Senzan Bansui, meaning "Thousands of Mountains, Myriads of Waters," is a brand that fuses the grandeur of nature with Zen spirituality. The name implies the state of enlightenment reached after overcoming countless challenges and reflects a deep awe for the natural world. Its flavor, both powerful and serenely detached, mirrors the brewery's philosophy of seeking the true essence of things, much like its counterpart Gasanryu.

Sakura Uzen is a brand that depicts the region's spring scenery, combining the old name of Yamagata, "Uzen," with the symbol of spring, "Sakura" (Cherry Blossom). The supple and transparent quality of the sake, nurtured by Takahata's rich nature, evokes the refreshing feeling of falling cherry blossom petals. It is a bottle filled with the brewer's desire to cherish Yamagata's terroir and create sake that resonates with the local landscape and changing seasons.

Ukitamu is a locally rooted brand named after the ancient name of the Okitama region, expressing the history and terroir of the Yamagata basin's wetlands. It honestly infuses the character of rice nurtured by local water and soil into the sake, with every drop carrying a sense of pride and affection for the homeland. Its unpretentious yet deep flavor provides enthusiasts with the sensation of drinking the very essence of the local environment.

Kappa is a casual and charming brand born from the wish to be as beloved and familiar to people as the mythical river creature, Kappa. While based on Yonetsuru Shuzo's reliable techniques, it pursues a light and drinkable flavor profile that fits seamlessly into any daily scene. With its playful label design, this friendly sake allows drinkers to rediscover the joy of sake without pretension, reflecting the local color of Yamagata.

Uyo Ikkon is the flagship brand embodying the brewery's wish to be a cup of "Nagomi" (harmony) that connects people. It features a wholesome flavor that enhances the taste of food and a gentle drinkability that settles into the heart and body with every subsequent glass. Known for its commitment to Junmai-style brewing and innovative use of "Yuki Megami" rice, it honestly conveys the charm of rice nurtured by Okitama's nature and remains a local favorite.

Furudokei, meaning "Old Clock," is a specialized brand from Kamogawa Shuzo that pursues the beauty of maturation that deepens with the passage of time. Symbolizing the years quietly recorded within the brewery, the name tells of the high quality achieved through slow and patient brewing. Crafted carefully with traditional techniques, the sake evolves into a masterpiece with complex, mellow aromas and profound depth, brought out by the magic of time.

Zuiro Yozan is a prestigious brand named after the "fresh droplets (ro)" of Shirataka's nature and Lord Uesugi Yozan, the legendary reformist leader of the region. Brewed with high-quality groundwater that carries the memory of ancient volcanic activity, this sake is defined by its dignified purity and elegant umami. It is a special limited edition that condenses the pride and history of Shirataka, delivering fresh inspiration and a powerful sense of vitality with every sip.

Kubozakura is a brand inspired by the famous ancient trees of the Okitama region, pursuing a brilliance reminiscent of the coming of spring. Using the robust rice umami nurtured by Shirataka's volcanic soil, it is refined through traditional techniques to create a sake where rich aromas bloom with every sip. Like a historic giant tree, it offers a deep, grounded flavor along with a crisp, refreshing finish like a spring breeze, continuing to comfort the hearts of the local community.

Hinode Kamogawa is a classic brand that represents the origin of Kamogawa Shuzo, as refreshing as the sunrise marking the start of a new day. Using pure water that carries volcanic memories and meticulously polished rice, it pursues the clean and refined finish that has been loved locally for years. Like the morning sun illuminating all things, this orthodox sake is crafted with sincerity to harmonize with daily life and bring warmth and brightness to every meal.

Shinobukawa is a brand rich in sentiment that once represented Toyo Shuzo. Inspired by the purity and endurance of a river flowing quietly through a harsh winter, it was brewed to deliver the gentle flavor of the Okitama terroir. The name is deeply rooted in local scenery and culture, and it was long cherished as a steady companion that brings quiet peace to the drinker's heart.

Issho Kofuku, meaning "Lifetime of Happiness," was the flagship brand of Toyo Shuzo, named with the wish to bring joy to the lives of those who drink it. Its plump and approachable flavor, which brought warmth to both celebrations and daily meals, received immense support from the local community. While the brewery's history has moved to a new stage, this "spirit of wishing for happiness" is still carefully preserved by Suzuki Shuzoten Nagai Kura, continuing to shine as Okitama's celebratory sake.

Ten no Tsubu, meaning "Grain of Heaven," is a specialized product of Toyo Shuzo that explores the potential within a single grain of rice, the blessing of the earth. Using the brewery's techniques, it condenses the umami of rice nurtured by the fertile land and clear streams of Okitama into every drop. It aims for a pure and clear flavor like a gift from the heavens. Characterized by a reserved yet solid profile, it quietly graces daily meals and softly enhances the flavors of the ingredients.

Dokonjo is a robust brand that fuses the passion of farmers tilling the soil (dokon) with the "indomitable spirit" (dokonjo) of the brewers. Making the most of the characteristics of sake rice nurtured by contract farmers in Fukushima and Yamagata, it aims for a flavor that conveys the untamed vitality of Mother Earth. It is a product of deep respect for ingredients and the brewery's determination to continue brewing through adversity, crafted to inspire the soul of those who drink it.

Asataki, meaning "Morning Waterfall," is the primary brand of Terashima Shuzo Honpo, brewed with the aim of achieving a clarity as pure as a waterfall in the crisp morning air. It generously incorporates the results of the owner's maturation research, with its greatest charm being the evolution of aroma and flavor that grows mellower over time. While based on traditional Junmai methods, it pursues a refined profile suitable for modern dining, offering a glimpse into the profound possibilities of aged sake.