Founded in 1880 by brewmaster Kyutaro Katsumata from Kashiwazaki, Niigata, Katayama Shuzo is a brewery in Nikko City with a history of over 140 years. They practice a special craft that fuses the techniques of Niigata brewmasters with the terroir of Nikko.
The hallmark of their brewing is a commitment to strictly selected ingredients, using "Senryosui" groundwater flowing from the Nikko mountain range through the Daiya River, along with Yamada Nishiki rice from the Hyogo Prefecture Special A District and special yeast developed in Tochigi. This "Senryosui" is a clear groundwater originating from the snowmelt of the Nikko mountains, forming the foundation of Kashiwazakari's pure taste.
Their greatest distinction is their dedication to "Genshu" (undiluted sake), a tradition passed down for over 60 years. Because it is bottled exactly as it is pressed from the mash without any added water, it offers a rich, full-bodied flavor where the original umami and power of the rice are felt directly, with a high alcohol content (typically 18–20%). During pressing, they use traditional "Fune" (presses) to minimize pressure, achieving a clear taste with minimal impurities.
Representative brands are "Kashiwazakari," "Nikkoji," and "ALL BLACKS." Kashiwazakari was named after Kashiwazaki, the founder's birthplace. "ALL BLACKS" is an innovative brand officially recognized by the New Zealand national rugby team, expressing the bond between Nikko and New Zealand through sake. The powerful yet refined flavor possesses a unique character born from Nikko's natural blessings and the traditional techniques of Niigata brewmasters.