Brands

The flagship brand of Suzuki Shuzoten, carrying over 300 years of tradition since being praised as "excellently good" by the Lord of Akita. Deeply understanding local food culture, its quality focuses on enhancing dishes, balancing the pure umami of in-house polished rice with a clean, crisp finish. A long-time favorite in Akita, this trusted masterpiece delivers its "excellent quality" directly to anyone from the very first sip.

"Yoakemae" (Before the Dawn) is the representative brand of Ono Shuzoten, named after the masterpiece of Toson Shimazaki. Using the king of sake rice "Yamada Nishiki" luxuriously, it is brewed carefully with low-temperature fermentation. It is a taste like a work of art where a gorgeous and elegant aroma and transparent umami harmonize.

The signature brand of Nagai Shuzo, crafted with premium Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo and locally grown Kawaba rice. Using pristine water filtered through the Oze highlands, it is characterized by an elegant, fruity aroma and a flavor profile that captures the essence of natural beauty. The high-quality lineup, led by their exceptional Junmai Daiginjo, has earned widespread acclaim throughout Japan and beyond.

Akita's most iconic brand, Takashimizu is beloved nationwide as the quintessential daily sake for casual enjoyment. Crafted with ultra-soft water from the sacred Takashimizu well, it offers a soft mouthfeel with balanced acidity and elegant umami. With premium Akita rice, water, and mastery in perfect harmony, this classic sake never tires the palate and defines the standard for Akita quality.

"Matsunotsukasa" is a brand that masters terroir, reflecting the climate of Ryuo-cho, Shiga Prefecture. A taste full of transparency created by high-quality sake rice from contract farmers and clear underground water from the Suzuka Mountains. Pursuing the possibilities of sake with innovative approaches such as "Soil-specific Brewing" expressing individuality due to soil differences. The refined umami and beautiful finish bring an experience where you feel the memory of the land with your five senses.

Ichinokura is the flagship brand bearing the brewery's name, characterized by sake brewing that utilizes the goodness of traditional handmade methods. Embodying the philosophy of Ichinokura, which was born from the gathering of four breweries, it is loved by a diverse range of sake fans with a wide lineup while balancing tradition and innovation. From Junmai sake to Ginjo sake, they pursue harmony with meals with each sake quality, practicing sake brewing rooted in the region using Miyagi's rice and water.

"Raifuku" is the representative brand of Raifuku Shuzo, which has been in business for over 300 years. The brand name has the auspicious meaning of "good fortune comes," and contains the wish to deliver happiness to those who drink it. The biggest feature is the use of natural flower yeasts isolated and cultured in-house. By combining flower yeasts such as rambling rose, begonia, and Dianthus superbus with carefully selected suitable rice, they realize gorgeous scents and unique, deep tastes not found in conventional sake. It is highly popular for celebratory occasions and as gifts, and has won many awards in domestic and international liquor competitions due to its high quality. It is an evolving sake that always continues to challenge new possibilities.

"Kizakura" is a brand bearing the name of a rare cherry blossom that blooms light yellow flowers in spring, reflecting the founder's wish for "sake loved by everyone." Utilizing Fushimi's famous water "Fushimizu," it pursues a light and sharp sake quality that one never tires of drinking, matching the modern lifestyle. The quality backed by solid techniques is proven by its regular Gold Awards at the Annual Japan Sake Awards. Along with the Kappa characters. It is a sake that can be called a synonym for reassurance and familiarity, having colored Japanese dining tables and delivered smiles for many years.

"Horai" is the representative brand of Watanabe Sake Brewery, derived from the legendary paradise "Mt. Horai" where immortal hermits are said to live. Aiming to be the "brewery with the most smiles in Japan," it is brewed with the climate and humanity of Hida. While maintaining traditional taste, it is characterized by a warm sake quality that makes the drinker smile. It is a sake that brings happy times to celebratory occasions and daily dining tables.

Named after a thatched-roof cottage in Akita's snowy landscape, this is the flagship brand representing Saiya Shuzoten. By strictly following the "Three No's" (San-nai-zukuri) method, they capture the natural breath of in-house yeast in a bottle, achieving ultimate purity with profound depth. Its silky mouthfeel and elegant aroma evoke a quiet nostalgia for the snow country, making it a masterpiece where modernity and tradition harmonize into a treasure of Akita.

Hitakami is the flagship brand of Hirakou Shuzo, known as "Sakana-zake" (Fish Sake) with the theme "If you're doing fish, it's Hitakami!" Characterized by a soft, transparent mouthfeel and a sharp aftertaste, it brings out the umami of seafood and provides a refreshing sensation that cleanly washes away fish oils. Designed with sake quality that puts compatibility with seafood from "Sanriku Kinkasan Oki," one of the world's three major fishing grounds, first, it harmonizes with all kinds of fish dishes such as sashimi, sushi, and grilled fish. The brand name is derived from "Hitakamigawa," the old name for the Kitakami River, and "Hitakami no Kuni" described in the "Nihon Shoki," embodying thoughts for the rich land blessed by the sun. Having recovered from the tsunami damage of the Great East Japan Earthquake, it attracted nationwide attention with "Earthquake Reconstruction Sake: Light of Hope." After the earthquake, they completely renewed their facilities and achieved further quality improvement.

Azuma no Fumoto is the flagship brand embodying the soul of the brewery, nurtured by the groundwater of the Azuma Mountain Range and the sharp temperature shifts of the Okitama Basin. Through traditional techniques cultivated over 125 years, it achieves a harmonious flavor that blends crisp freshness with deep umami, reflecting the very terroir of Nanyo. Embodying the concept of "a cup that fills the heart," it has long been cherished as a masterpiece that graces special moments and everyday life.

"Ozeki" is a representative brand symbolizing strength and high quality, derived from the Ozeki rank in sumo wrestling. With a history of over 310 years, it brought innovation to the sake industry as a pioneer of One Cup Sake. It is popular as a major brand with nationwide recognition, offering a wide lineup from affordable price ranges to high-end sake.

"Shichisui" is the flagship brand of Toraya Honten and a notable brand that continues to innovate in the contemporary sake scene. The name is derived from "Nanamizu," a collective term for the seven famous waters passed down in Utsunomiya since ancient times. Since its birth in the 2000s as a new line centered on pure rice sake, it quickly gained popularity. It has proven its world-class quality by receiving the Sake of the Year award, the highest honor, at the "Oriental Sake Awards," one of the largest competitions in Asia. With the concept of "exciting sake," the brewery pursues brewing that maximizes the energy, umami, and aroma of sake rice. The drinkable quality that harmonizes bright, fresh flavors with the umami of rice symbolizes Toraya Honten's challenge—to protect tradition while never fearing evolution.

Zao is the flagship brand of Zao Shuzo, a sake brewed with the blessings of spring water from the Zao mountain range. As the only brewery in Shiroishi City, they pump up soft groundwater from the Zao mountain range from 50 meters underground within the brewery premises, and use sake rice such as "Miyama Nishiki" and "Kura no Hana" grown by contract farmers in Shiroishi City and Kakuda City. It has received high praise, such as winning the Gold Prize at the National New Sake Appraisal, and young brewers averaging around 30 years old, led by the Toji and Vice Toji, are challenging sake brewing for a new era while protecting traditions. It is a brand representing Shiroishi that fully expresses the natural blessings of the Zao mountain range.

Sakarimasu is the flagship brand of Koganei Shuzo, representing the finest local sake of Atsugi. The name, combining 'Sakaru' (to flourish) and 'Masu' (from the old shop name), embodies the hope for ever-increasing prosperity. Brewed using famous subterranean water from the East Tanzawa range and premium sake rice through traditional Nanbu Toji techniques, its defining characteristics are a remarkably clean mouthfeel and a brilliant finish. As an ideal food-pairing sake, it offers a gentle umami that grows with every sip. Its exceptional quality is recognized worldwide, with five consecutive Gold Medals at the National New Sake Appraisal and winning the #1 Gold in the Junmai Daiginjo category at SAKE COMPETITION 2025. Sakarimasu continues to evolve while honoring its deep roots in the Tanzawa region.

"Hatsukame" is the supreme brand that Hatsukame Shuzo, the oldest brewery in Shizuoka, has been brewing for over 380 years. Its name was chosen with the wish to 'shine brilliantly like the first sunrise (Hatsu-hi) and prosper forever like a turtle (Kame).' Using groundwater from the Southern Alps and rare rice like Special A Yamada Nishiki from Tojo, Hyogo House, it is crafted with meticulous manual labor. Its flavor is a masterpiece of 'Shizuoka Ginjo,' harmonizing a dignified aroma with a smooth, deep umami. In particular, the pioneering spirit that opened the high-end market in Japan during the 1970s still lives on in every product line. It is a celebrated sake that Shizuoka proudly presents to the world, combining historical depth with a warmth that gently embraces the drinker.

Shuho, the signature brand named after the mythical Fenghuang (Phoenix), embodies the brewery's ideal of crafting sake with distinct personality. Characterized by a brilliant fruity aroma similar to apples and grapes, it balances elegant sweetness with the robust umami of Yamagata rice. This celebrated brand harmonizes Zao's natural gifts with traditional techniques, earning high praise from enthusiasts worldwide.

"Fuji Taikan" is a traditional brand of Morishima Shuzo known for being loved by Yokoyama Taikan, a master of modern Japanese painting. It was named "Taikan" in 1953 because the painter had a friendship with the brewery when he lived in Izura. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its founding, the name was renewed to "Fuji Taikan" because Taikan liked to paint Mt. Fuji and it is a symbol of being the best in Japan. Overlapping the artistry of the painter and Japanese aesthetics with sake, it features a dignified aroma and a rich taste. It is one of the brands representing Ibaraki, conveying tradition and prestige created by more than 150 years of history.

Kirinzan is an immovable flagship brand of Kirinzan Shuzo, named after the sacred mountain Kirinzan soaring along the Agano River. Pursuing the ideal form of Niigata's 'light and dry' style, it upholds the philosophy of being the 'ultimate daily sake' enjoyed with daily meals. Its greatest feature is the crystal-like transparency with all off-flavors removed and the vibrant sharp finish. The sake, sticking to local rice and carefully polished by in-house milling, never interferes with the taste of dishes, but rather gives a comfortable stimulation making you want to move the next chopsticks. While having a wide lineup from classic authentic dry to refined Daiginjo, the 'bravery (sharpness)' at its root is common. It is a 'dry masterpiece sake' representing Niigata that stays close to the daily life of drinkers and adds joy to the table.

"Kaika" is the flagship brand of Daiichi Shuzo, named in 1875 after the "Bunmei Kaika" (Civilization and Enlightenment) of the Meiji era, with the wish to "bloom flowers of joy in people's lives." It is a premier sake representing Tochigi, brewed with master craftsmanship using high-quality rice grown by the brewery's own staff and the pure groundwater of Sano, a region famous for its pristine waters. The defining characteristics are a fruity, brilliant aroma and a refined flavor that maximizes the natural umami of the rice. Having won major awards like the "Grand Gold Medal" at numerous domestic and international competitions, it is a masterpiece that combines the balance of a traditional food-pairing sake with modern elegance—truly embodying the "blooming" (Kaika) of Japanese sake.

Hiroki is a modern treasure that has continued to enthuse sake fans across Japan since its 1999 birth. Sweetness, acidity, umami, and crispness resonate in perfect balance, giving fresh surprise and emotion every time one drinks. The representative "Muroka Nama Genshu" is a revolutionary bottle sealing the juicy energy of rice. It is an ongoing legend embodying the "King of the Road" of sake.

Bandaiho is a traditional brand that has stayed close to the local people since its 1765 founding. Using underflow from Mount Myojingatake and Aizu rice, it conveys the warmth of good old manual brewing to the present. Its name encompasses the wish "to be an eternally fragrant sake," acting as the original landscape of life in Aizu Misato, gently coloring the family dining table.