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A "toji" is a sake brewing technician. Among them,the "Nanbu Toji"is a renowned group of toji who are active mainly in Iwate Prefecture and the Tohoku region.
Nanbu Toji, who have continued to support the quality of sake with techniques and spirituality passed down since the Edo period, are not just craftsmen, but are deeply rooted in the local culture and people's lives through sake
What is a Nanbu Toji? Origin and History
The origins of the Nanbu Toji brewer date back to the Edo period, when the Nanbu Domain (present-day southern Iwate Prefecture) encouraged sake brewing within its territory and promoted local industry by passing on techniques to farmers and artisans
The techniques of the Nanbu Toji (sake brewers) that originated during this period are characterized by their cultivation in the harsh climate of the snow-covered Tohoku region. The ability to precisely manage the fermentation of koji (rice malt) in the cold and brew sake without allowing unwanted bacteria to grow is still"special" for the Toji of Tohokupraised today as
Furthermore, the techniques of the Nanbu Toji (sake brewers) are not merely brewing techniques, but are closely linked to the mindset of the craftsmen.The spirit passed down through generations has given the sake depth and richness.
Technology and Spirit
Among the techniques possessed by Nanbu Toji (sake brewers), the most noteworthy are theirkoji-making process and precise temperature control. Since even a difference of a few degrees in fermentation temperature can drastically change the taste of the sake, the Toji's intuition and experience are of paramount importance.
Nanbu Toji brewers undergo a training period called "Shikomi Sannen." This is a system in which they must learn the basics of koji making and sake brewing for at least three years before they can become a fully-fledged Toji. They are thoroughly trained not only in the techniques but also in the mindset required for sake brewing
Another characteristic of Nanbu Toji (sake brewers) is their high level of spirituality. As the saying goes, "Sake is a mirror that reflects the heart of the person," and it is believed thatthe meticulous work and sincere attitude of the Toji directly affect the taste of the sake. The silence during work, the time spent listening to the aroma of the koji (rice malt)—it is the accumulation of these daily experiences that produces sake that transcends mere technique.
The modern Nanbu Toji
Modern Nanbu sake brewersare preserving tradition whilealso embracing new challenges in sake brewing. Local breweries are producing seasonal sake and sake made with locally grown rice, attracting attention as a tourist attraction.
Sake brewery tours and brewery experiences are popular among tourists. Through tours where you can experience the preparation process and smell the aroma of koji, you can experience the techniques of sake brewing and the spirit of the brewer. These experiences are not just for sightseeing, but are also valuable opportunities to learn about Japan's sake culture firsthand
Trivia about Nanbu Toji
The hands of a master brewer are magical hands: the movements of their hands when handling koji and yeast are passed down from generation to generation. Because even the slightest difference in movement can change the taste of the sake, the sense of touch is said to be the lifeblood of a master brewer.
A technique born in snowy regions: The cold of winter suppresses the growth of bacteria, leading to the development of techniques for cultivating koji in a clean environment.
Family crests of Nanbu sake brewers: Many Nanbu sake brewers have the same family crest passed down through generations, symbolizing their pride in sake brewing and their lineage.
A fusion of tourism and culture: In Iwate Prefecture, there are museums and experiential facilities that showcase the techniques of Nanbu Toji (sake brewers), making them important resources of local culture.
Five sake breweries in Iwate where the techniques of the Nanbu Toji are alive
In Iwate Prefecture and Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, there are many sake breweries where the traditional techniques of the Nanbu Toji are still alive and well. Here we will introduce some of the most representative sake breweries
Nanbu Bijin (Ninohe City)
Nanbu Bijin/Special Pure Rice Sake
Nanbu Bijin, a sake brewery located in Ninohe City, southern Iwate Prefecture, was founded in 1902. The brand name "Nanbu Bijin" comes from the fact that the area where the brewery was founded was called the Nanbu Domain during the Edo period, and from the desire to create sake that is both beautiful and has a beautiful taste.
Since its founding, the brewery has upheld the techniques of Nanbu Toji (sake brewers from the Nanbu region), andis characterized by its meticulous sake brewing using locally produced rice and pure water.Regular brewing experience events led by the Toji are also held, where visitors can learn firsthand about the feel of koji (rice malt) and the sake fermentation process.
Southern Beauty <Information>
Name: Nanbu Bijin Co., Ltd
Address: 13 Fukuokakamimachi, Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture
It is the oldest sake brewery in Iwate Prefecture.In 2022, the year it celebrated its 250th anniversary, the company relocated its headquarters and factory to Shizukuishi Town due to the aging of its factory in Konyamachi, Morioka City, and the difficulty of expanding its facilities. They have resumed sake brewing in the new factory equipped with the latest facilities.
Currently, tours are not available, but at the shop attached to the new company building,.you can purchase products such as the flagship "Shichifukujin" series and the unfiltered unpasteurized sake "Innocent"
Asabiraki, located in Morioka City, is one of Iwate Prefecture's leading sake breweries, with numerous awards at the National New Sake Appraisal Competition. Based on the traditional techniques of the Nanbu Toji (sake brewers), they have also introduced the latest equipment,continuing to brew sake with both tradition and innovation at their core.
Tourists can tour the brewery and sample the sake, which ranges from fruity ginjo sake to rich junmai sake. This is a recommended spot to experience the techniques honed by the Nanbu Toji brewers
Morning Break <Information>
Name: Asakai Co., Ltd
Address: 10-34 Daijijicho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (brewery tour and local sake museum)
Holidays: Irregular
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Shiwa Sake Brewery
Hiroki / Junmai Ginjo, polished 50/50
located in Shiwa TownShiwa Sake Breweryupholds the traditions of Nanbu Toji (sakeis a unique brewery thatTheir sake brewing process, using rice grown together with contract farmers and the pure groundwater of the Kitakami River, is truly a community-integrated approach.
In addition to touring the brewery, you can also enjoy a tasting experience that combines local ingredients with sake. Seeing the sake made by the master brewer linked to local agriculture makes you realize that the skills of the Nanbu master brewers are not just brewing techniques, but also support the local culture itself
Hachinohe Sake Brewery (Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture)
Mutsu Hassen / Special Junmai (pasteurized)
Hachinohe Brewery is a sake brewery that continues to take on new challenges while preserving the traditional techniques of Nanbu Toji (sake brewers). Here, the Toji is directly involved in the processes of koji making and fermentation management, resulting in sake brewed by hand. During the brewery tour,you can see the tools that the Toji actually uses in brewing and the koji room, and experience the differences in aroma and temperature during fermentation.
Hachinohe Sake Brewery <Information>
Name: Hachinohe Shuzo Co., Ltd
Address: 9 Honmachi Minatomachi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
The toji (master brewer) experiences the peak of sake brewing during the cold winter months.Therefore, visiting a sake brewery is definitely recommended in winter. The sounds of koji fermentation and the steam rising from the brewery make it an excellent opportunity to experience the atmosphere of sake brewing firsthand. You can feel the tension and energy of the brewers up close.
A place where you can experience the culture of the Nanbu Toji
For those who want to get closer to the skills and spirit of the Nanbu Toji, we recommend the Nanbu Toji Heritage Museum in Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki City
Nanbu Toji Tradition Museum (Ishidoriya Town)
The Nanbu Toji Tradition Museum, located in Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki City, is a valuable facility where you can learn about the history and culture of Nanbu Toji (sake brewers).Ishidoriya, considered the birthplace of Nanbu Toji, has long been a region where sake brewing thrives, and at this museum, you can experience the techniques and spirit that the Toji have passed down through actual documents and exhibits.
The museum features traditional tools used in sake brewing, work clothes worn by master brewers, and exhibits recreating the sake brewing process, creatinga space where visitors can learn about the history of sake production through all their senses. The large exhibit recreating the brewing process is particularly impressive and is highly praised for giving visitors a real sense of the scale of sake brewing.
The Nanbu Toji Heritage Museum also regularly holds events and tastings, allowing visitors to sample fine sake from local breweries. This is a great spot for tourists, as well as those who love sake and are interested in history, to experience the culture of the Nanbu Toji
It is easily accessible from Shin-Hanamaki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen and JR Ishidoriya Station, and there are also wineries and farm shops scattered around the area, so it is also recommended as a tourist route for touring the entire region
Nanbu Toji Heritage Museum <Information>
Name: Nanbu Toji Tradition Museum
Address: 17-2, Nakaderabayashi 7th District, Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture
The spirit of the Nanbu brewer resides in every cup of sake
The Nanbu Toji are master sake brewers who are the pride of Iwate Prefecture, andbearers of a culture that infuses soul into sake. Their history, techniques, and spirit are deeply rooted not only in the taste of sake, but also in the local culture and the lives of its people.
When you take a sip of sake, if it is made by a Nanbu Toji, imagine that the cold Tohoku winter, the techniques passed down through generations, and the Toji's heart are all infused into that cup. The taste will be richer and more profound, conveying a deeper story
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![1088_Squid Curtain](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/621b49eff7eed2fb8caee235a00963e0-150x150.jpg.webp ""Grilled Squid Street" is famous for its squid curtains! The concentrated flavor has many repeat customers [Aomori Prefecture]")
![Hiroki from Shiwa Sake Brewery](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_4499-150x150.jpg.webp "Visiting sake breweries in the six Tohoku prefectures! "Hiroki," a sake enjoyed by many people, is brewed at Shiwa Sake Brewery in Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture, the birthplace of Nanbu Toji (sake brewers)")
