Brands

"Kokki" is the representative brand of Kokki Shuzo, named with the wish of "sake that gives shine (hikari) to the country." It is carefully brewed by traditional techniques using carefully selected sake rice from Shimane Prefecture and high-quality groundwater. It features a rich aroma and a powerful yet balanced taste where you can firmly feel the umami of rice. It is a satisfying bottle that can be enjoyed in a wide range of temperatures, from cold sake to hot sake.

"azure" is an innovative Ginjo sake brewed using deep sea water off Cape Muroto, Kochi Prefecture, as brewing water. The brand name means "blue (azure)" in French, characterized by a stylish blue bottle expressing the image of the deep sea. The mineral balance derived from deep sea water promotes yeast fermentation, realizing a taste with unprecedented sharpness and transparency. With its beautiful appearance and refreshing taste, it proposes a new style of sake.

"Inabatsuru" is a brand born along with the revival of Tottori Prefecture's unique phantom sake rice "Goriki." Sales started in 1989 (Heisei 1), and it uses Goriki rice revived from just a handful of seed rice over two years. Bearing the name of the crane symbolizing the Inaba region, it features brewing that maximizes the individuality of the ingredients, such as refraining from carbon filtration to leave the original flavor of the rice. It is a true local sake where you can enjoy the sturdy acidity unique to Goriki rice and profound umami.

"Kiyotsuru" is a brand that carries the history of Tomita, Osaka, combining high dignity with a clear, pure flavor. It carries on the lineage of "Tomita Sake," which was praised in the past as "superior in aroma and flavor" and gained immense popularity as "Kudari Sake" shipped to Edo. Produced through labor-intensive traditional methods such as "Fukuro-shibori," where craftsmen press the sake manually bag by bag, this sake is characterized by a crystal-clear texture free of impurities. Yet, the soft, rich lingering taste of rice felt at the moment of swallowing is a result of skilled technique. From the "Honjozo" that enriches daily life to the "Daiginjo" for special moments, it consistently embodies "pure and honest" sake brewing. As a local sake of Tomita, every drop is noble yet sincere, blowing a refreshing breeze into the heart of the drinker.

Arinokawa is Ariga Shuzo's flagship brand, embodying 250 years of tradition. This authentic local sake harmonizes the coolness of Abukuma groundwater with plump rice umami, loved across generations.

"Sugata" is a cult-favorite brand led by Iinuma Meijo, born from a pursuit to deliver sake in its "born as-is state" (umareta mama no sugata). The name is derived from the "Sugatami no Ike" (Mirror Pond) linked to the local Yao Bikuni legend, while also symbolizing the pure, untouched state of the sake—freshly pressed, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and undiluted. The hallmark of this brand is the combination of overwhelming fruitiness and transparency, achieved through the labor-intensive "all box-koji" method. Upon the first sip, a juicy, floral aroma reminiscent of apples and peaches spreads across the palate, accompanied by a rich sweetness. These elements are brilliantly tied together by a refined acidity and a strikingly clean finish, creating perfect harmony. By using different sake rice varieties for each season to express their unique characters in a "raw" state, the Sugata series encapsulates Iinuma Meijo's technique and passion in every drop. With a rarity stemming from small-batch production and a vivid personality that stays with you, this is a modern-classic masterpiece from Tochigi that continues to captivate sake enthusiasts nationwide.

The flagship brand of Otone Shuzo. Its name originates from the late Heian period legend of Fujiwara no Kuniyori, the second son of a high-ranking minister (Sadaijin), who was exiled to this region and became known as the "Sadaijin of Oze." The brand offers diverse expressions, including the "Oze no Shizuku" series crafted with pure mountain water and the exquisite "Shizukuzake" (bag-dripped) Junmai Daiginjo.

Notaka is the flagship brand of Tanaka Shuzo, its name deriving from the Japanese proverb 'the skilled hawk hides its talons' (meaning a wise person hides their skills). Taking the character 'No' from the brewery's former house name 'Notoya,' it was named with the image of a humble hawk that possesses excellent skills but does not show them off. In the Joetsu region where many sakes are sweet, its quality sticking to a stoic 'Tanrei Karakuchi' style lets one feel the rice umami clearly while the aftertaste is surprisingly clean. Highly perfected as a food-pairing sake, it harmonizes with any dish in an exquisite balance. It is an essential bottle for dining tables in the local Naoetsu area, deeply rooted in the region.

"Maboroshi no Taki" (Phantom Waterfall) is the flagship brand of Mikunihare Shuzo, named after a legendary waterfall hidden in the mountainous reaches of the Kurobe River. Brewed using natural spring water from an on-site 'Top 100 Springs' source, the sake fully captures the water's crystalline purity. Crafted by Yukari Iwase, Toyama's first female Toji, it is characterized by a smooth, translucent texture and a refreshing, crisp finish. As a brand that embodies the grand nature and water heritage of Kurobe, it continues to captivate enthusiasts both in Japan and abroad.

Niseko is the flagship brand of Niseko Shuzo. They offer a range of Junmai sake that highlights the distinct characteristics of Hokkaido's top brewing rice varieties: Ginpu, Suisei, and Kitashizuku. The 'Blue Label' (Suisei) is known for its clear and smooth texture, the 'Yellow Label' (Ginpu) is popular for its rich, full-bodied dry taste, and the 'Purple Label' (Kitashizuku) is favored for its sharp and crisp dry finish. The brand's appeal lies in the pure flavor derived from Mt. Yotei's underflow water and the substantial presence of undiluted 'Genshu.' The color-coded labels make it easy and enjoyable to compare the differences in taste based on the rice used.

"Zuisen" is a brand derived from Mt. Zuisen in the local Iwami Town, sticking to "Self-style sake brewing without flattering anyone." Using underground water from the Chugoku Mountains and carefully selected sake brewing suitable rice, it features careful brewing that polishes down to a rice polishing ratio of 50% or less. While dry, it has a good throat feel and is familiar as a "Kasuri taste" (rustic taste) with simple and strong umami. It is a true local sake where the maker's face can be seen, born from a graceful attitude of brewing only the amount commensurate with consumption.

"Oigame" is the representative brand of Ono Shuzo, which has a history of over 300 years. Aiming for "sake like rice that tastes better the more you chew," the umami of rice is brought out to the maximum by firm fermentation. It also has a reputation as aged sake, and the mellow body that deepens over time and the calm aroma are exquisite. Not only as cold sake, but by heating it, the umami expands further, demonstrating its true value as a sake during meals.

Imakomachi is the representative brand of Nakawa Shoten, and has a track record of winning the gold prize many times in the past as a regular winner at the Annual Japan Sake Awards. It is brewed in Ikeda-cho in the central part of Shikoku, an environment surrounded by the Shikoku Mountains and wrapped in severe cold in winter, in a land blessed with clear air, beautiful water upstream of the Yoshino River, and rich nature. The name 'Komachi' is named after Ono no Komachi, a beautiful woman of the Heian period, and contains the wish to aim for beautiful and elegant sake. By adding 'Ima' (Now/Modern), it carries the meaning of modern beautiful sake. As the track record of winning the gold prize at the Annual Japan Sake Awards shows, it is a brand whose high quality is widely recognized. It is one of the local sakes representing Tokushima, nurtured by the nature and tradition of the region.

"Chiyo no Kame" is a flagship brand embodying the history and tradition of the brewery. As the saying goes, "Cranes live for 1,000 years, turtles for 10,000 years," it contains the wish to be sake loved for a long time. Sticking to local rice cultivated with reduced pesticides, it centers on Junmai sake that maximizes the original umami of rice. Within the gentle and nostalgic flavor, you can feel a solid core strength, and it is a sake that you never get tired of, becoming more flavorful the more you drink.

"Tsukinoi" is the representative brand of Tsukinoi Shuzoten, named after the sea and moon of Oarai. It is said that its name comes from a passage in Iso-bushi, "The autumn moon riding on the back of the waves." Brewed with methods that spare no effort, such as traditional Yamahai preparation and Kimoto structure, it features the original umami of rice and sharp acidity. It goes perfectly with Oarai's fresh seafood and has been loved for a long time as a sake to accompany food.

"Amairo" is a brand derived from the pillow word "Amairo" in Waka poetry, imaging the beautiful nature and colors also sung in the Manyoshu. It is a dessert sake-like sake that achieves rich sweetness and deep richness by the "re-brewing" method, where sake is used instead of normal brewing water. You can enjoy a luxurious taste where natural sweetness and acidity harmonize.

"Yume no Kanbai" (The Dreaming Winter Plum) is a brand that possesses the pure and strong vitality of a plum blossom blooming with dignity, enduring the freezing cold of winter. The word "Yume" (Dream) embodies the passion for pursuing ideals, and its quality is incredibly neat and smooth. In particular, its long-aged koshu (aged sake) won world recognition as a champion at the Oriental SAKE Award, possessing a deep body and elegance nurtured by the magic of time. It is a romantic masterpiece that packs the silence of winter and the scent of plum announcing the arrival of spring into a single cup.

Fukino is a sake brand by Sanwa Shurui that expresses the rich nature of Usa. Brewed to capture the local terroir, it features the inherent umami of rice with a refreshing, clean finish. With an approachable flavor that accompanies the daily dining table, it is a classic brand that continues to be beloved by local residents.

Marumasu Yonetsuru is a specialized, limited-distribution line bearing the brewery's traditional house name, "Marumasu." From rice selection to the final brewing process, it is crafted with stricter standards than the standard line, representing the pinnacle of the brewery's expertise. Characterized by a rich aroma that brings out the true power of rice and a deep body, its high degree of perfection consistently impresses sake enthusiasts looking for distinctive character.

Karahashi is a premium line from Homare Shuzo bearing the owner's family name, pursuing the limits of quality. Through bottle pasteurization and thorough management at -5°C, it seals in the freshly pressed freshness and delicate umami. It is a new standard born from uncompromising passion, captivating modern sake fans.

"Aioi" is a sake brand of Aioi Unibio, bearing the same name as the company. They are committed to sake brewing that cherishes the local character of Nishio City.

Imayotsukasa is the unwavering flagship brand bearing the brewery's name. Fitting for the name meaning 'ruling over the present age,' it is the very identity of the brewery that values tradition but always continues to evolve. By insisting on 100% Junmai brewing and not adding any brewer's alcohol at all, it draws out the maximum potential of the pure water of Niigata and high-quality rice. Its liquor quality is an exquisite balance that makes one feel a steady 'umami' at its core while being a 'Tanrei' (light and clean) full of transparency. Along with a sophisticated urban design, it is a high-quality standard that nestles in the modern dining table and makes the daily life of the drinker a little special.

Koshi no Kanchubai (Plum Blossom in Winter Cold) is the flagship brand of Niigata Meijo, aiming for a pure and strong flavor like a plum blossom blooming with dignity during the snowy mid-winter. While embodying the 'Tanrei Karakuchi' style typical of Niigata sake, its greatest charm lies in the exquisite balance where a faint rice umami remains in the aftertaste. Its modest yet firm character, which doesn't spoil the flavor of dishes but rather enhances them, is ideal for daily evening drinks. Showing various expressions depending on how it's served—sharp when chilled and mellow when warmed—it is a bottle that has long been supported by Niigata sake fans not only in local Ojiya but also nationwide.

Kenshin is the flagship brand representing Ikedaya Shuzo, named because the brewery is located along the Chikuni Highway—the stage for the famous anecdote where the Echigo general Uesugi Kenshin sent salt to his rival Takeda Shingen. Using pure subsoil water from the Himegawa River, which draws from Mount Shirouma, the sake is characterized by a mellow, transparent sweetness. Its prowess, evidenced by numerous Gold Medals at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, is supported by a sincere and uncompromising approach to brewing that seems to inherit the spirit of 'Gi' (justice) associated with Lord Kenshin.