Gonda Shuzo

Gonda Shuzo, founded in 1850 in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, is the only sake brewery in Kumagaya City marking over 170 years of history. Walking alongside the history of Kumagaya, which flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo highway, it has now established an "all-local system" where sake is brewed only by local employees. All brewers are locals who know the regional terroir well, practicing brewing that literally puts Kumagaya's soul into it.
The greatest commitment is the traditional "Funakake" pressing, which spares no effort. By dare performing the entire pressing process—which is becoming mechanized nowadays—by hand, it draws out pure rice umami without off-flavors, achieving a careful and delicate sake quality. Additionally, it actively uses Saitama's brewing rice "Sake Musashi" and Kumagaya's unique yeast, embodying true local production for local consumption.
The flagship brand "Naozane" was named after Lord Naozane Kumagaya, a military commander from Kumagaya who was active from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period. It features a powerful yet gentle flavor that reflects the spirit of Lord Naozane, who was brave yet merciful. As the only brewery rooted in the community, it is a passionate brewery that continues to connect Kumagaya's pride and tradition to the next generation.