Brands

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.

Hataage is an affordable synthetic sake brewed with pure Taisetsu subsoil water. Designed for daily enjoyment, it features a crisp and dry character that complements a wide range of household dishes.

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.

Samurai is a bold sake brand from the Asahikawa Distillery, notably featured in the 'Kitanohomare Junmai Genshu Samurai' edition. Brewed with 100% Hokkaido rice and soft mountain water, it delivers a powerful, undiluted flavor that lives up to its warrior name.

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.

Sky High is the collaborative brand of Okitama Gokurakai, inspired by the refreshing clarity of the Okitama sky that stretches high above. Bringing together the techniques and sensibilities of all five breweries, this sake is characterized by the harmony and vibrancy that only such a collaboration can achieve. Expressing the charm of the Okitama region with free thinking beyond tradition, it is a bottle filled with hope, delivering joy to people far and wide.

Homare Kozakura is a sentimental brand that combines respect for the rare sake rice "Ushu Homare" with the beauty of a delicately blooming small cherry tree (Kozakura). Using clear water nurtured by Okitama's harsh winters and the energy of rice from the earth, Naganuma's traditional techniques transform these elements into a masterpiece in a bottle. With a flavor that hides a dignified strength within its brilliance, it is a selection that conveys local pride and a passion for the future.

Kozakura is a brand that pursues a gentle and light drinking experience, much like the delicate and lovely cherry blossoms that announce spring's arrival in Okitama. Brewed carefully during the peaks of winter to preserve the subtle nuances of water and rice, the family brewers handle every step with affection. Its refreshing flavor invites drinkers to forget daily bustle and serves as a simple luxury that softly harmonizes with the daily lives of the local community.

Souemon is an authentic brand that carries the history and pride of the Naganuma family, pursuing even more profound strength. While retaining the dense umami achieved through 100% Fune-shibori pressing, the flavor is further deepened by maturation, resulting in a profile that is both heavy and refined. Connecting the passion of former heads of the house to the present, this sake possesses a quiet intensity that invites drinkers to settle in and savor its depth.

Gokon, meaning "Soul of the Hometown," is a brand through which Dewazakura Shuzo expresses its deep respect for the region. Using high-quality sake rice cultivated with local Yamagata farmers, it pursues the robust umami created by the fusion of Okitama's severe cold and pure water. Distinct from the refined artistry of their Ginjo brewing, this sake offers a sturdy character that conveys the vitality of the earth, resonating with a passionate spirit in every glass.

Suifuyon is a brand inspired by the graceful beauty of the hibiscus flower, which blooms white in the morning and turns red by evening, much like a face flushing with drink. While possessing a solid core typical of hard water brewing, it is characterized by a supple and transparent mouthfeel. Carefully crafted with traditional techniques, the sake permeates the mind and body as one drinks, delivering a captivating afterglow reminiscent of a beckoning flower.

Yomoyama Banashi which translates to "Various Chats," is an approachable brand from Mitobe Shuzo created to connect people and warmly color the atmosphere of conversation. While drawing out the "flavor of the rice itself" that the brewery cherishes, it pursues a simple and refined quality that never tires the palate. True to its name, it is a comfortable drink that harmonizes with daily life, making one want to keep drinking while blooming with various topics of conversation with friends and family.

Asahitaka is a traditional brand that has been loved primarily in the brewery's home of Yamagata Prefecture, combining history with proven quality. While possessing a rich umami similar to the "Juyondai" lineage, it features a mellow smoothness from low-temperature aging and a well-balanced crisp finish. A fusion of approachability that complements local food culture and luxurious brewing techniques, it remains a favorite for Yamagata locals as a "blissful bottle to enjoy every day."

Kuronawa, which translates to "Black Rope," is a treasured brand that radiates unique dignity and represents the ultimate luxury within the Takagi Shuzo lineup. By polishing the finest sake rice to its limit and condensing the brewery's collective wisdom, they create a sake characterized by a silk-like smooth texture and multi-layered, profound aromas. Once kept away from public eyes, this flavor is truly a "refined art," and the overwhelming presence in every drop possesses a magic that causes profound astonishment to those who drink it.