The History of Nanbu Toji and 5 Representative Sake Breweries - Iwate's Sake-Making Masters

A "Toji" is a sake brewing technician. Among them, the Nanbu Toji are a renowned group of Toji active in the Tohoku region, mainly in Iwate Prefecture.

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, born during this period, were cultivated in the harsh, snowy climate of Tohoku. Their technique of precisely controlling the fermentation of koji in the cold and brewing sake without the introduction of harmful bacteria is still praised today as "Tohoku Toji are special."

Furthermore, the skills of the Nanbu Toji are not simply brewing techniques, but are also closely linked to the mindset of the craftsman. This mentality, passed down from generation to generation, has given the sake depth and flavor.

Technology and Spirit

Among the techniques that Nanbu Toji possess, the ones that are particularly noteworthy the precision of koji making and temperature control . Since a difference of just a few degrees in fermentation temperature can significantly change the taste of the sake, the Toji's sense and experience are of utmost 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 is their high level of spirituality. As the saying goes, "Sake is a mirror that reflects the human heart," it is believed that the Toji's careful work and sincere attitude are directly linked to the taste of the sake . The silence while working and the time spent listening to the aroma of the koji... The accumulation of these daily efforts produces sake that goes beyond technique.

The modern Nanbu Toji

Today's Nanbu brewers are preserving tradition while also taking on new challenges in sake brewing. Local breweries are producing seasonal sake and sake made with local rice, which are attracting attention as tourist attractions.

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 Toji's hands are magical : The hand movements that touch the koji and yeast are passed down from father to son. Even the slightest difference in movement can change the taste of the sake, so the sensitivity of the hands is said to be the lifeblood of the Toji.

Technology born in snowy regions : The cold of winter suppresses the growth of bacteria, so techniques for growing koji in a clean environment were developed.

Nanbu Toji Family Crest : Many Nanbu Toji have had the same family crest for generations, symbolizing their pride in sake brewing and their lineage.

Fusion of tourism and culture : Iwate Prefecture is also home to museums and experience facilities showcasing the techniques of Nanbu Toji, making it an important resource for 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, a sake brewery located in Ninohe City, southern Iwate Prefecture, was founded in 1902. The brand name " Nanbu Bijin " was chosen because the area where the brewery was founded was called the Nanbu Domain during the Edo period, and also because of the desire to produce beautiful, delicious-tasting sake.

Since its founding, the brewery has preserved the techniques of the Nanbu Toji brewers, and is known for its careful sake brewing using locally grown sake rice and pure water. Brewing experience events led by the Toji brewers are also held regularly, where you can learn up close the feel of koji and the fermentation process of sake.

Southern Beauty <Information>

• Name: Nanbu Bijin Co., Ltd.
• Address: 13 Fukuokakamimachi, Ninohe City, Iwate Prefecture
• Phone number: 0195-23-3133
• Official URL: Nanbu Bijin Co., Ltd. official website
• Business hours: 9:00-16:00
• Closed: Sundays and public holidays

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Kikuno Tsukasa Brewery (Morioka City)

The oldest sake brewery in Iwate Prefecture. In 2022, marking its 250th anniversary, the brewery moved its headquarters and factory to Shizukuishi Town due to the aging of its factory in Konya-cho, Morioka City, and the difficulty of expanding its facilities. The brewery resumed sake brewing in a new factory equipped with the latest equipment.

Although tours are not currently available, the shop attached to the new building sells products such as the flagship "Shichi Fukujin" series, as well as innocent

Kikunotsukasa Sake Brewery <Information>

• Name: Kikuno Tsukasa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
• Address: 11 Nagayama Ookamizawa, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture
• Phone number: 019-693-3330
• Official URL: Kikunotsukasa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. Official Website
• Business hours: 10:00-17:00
• Holidays: No holidays

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Morning Break (Morioka City)

Asabiraki, located in Morioka City, is one of Iwate's leading sake breweries, having won numerous awards at the National New Sake Tasting Competition. Based on the traditional techniques of the Nanbu Toji brewers, the brewery has also introduced the latest equipment, and continues to brew sake with a blend of tradition and innovation.

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

[Iwate Prefecture] What is Asakai? Introducing new ways to enjoy sake from a long-established sake brewery in Iwate

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/7305

Asakai is a long-established sake brewery led by Nanbu master brewer Masahiko Fujio, who was selected as a Contemporary Master Craftsman by the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare in 2005. Many sake lovers have likely tried their sake at least once. In this article, we'll share some fun stories that will bring this long-established brewery a little closer to you. What is Asakai? Asakai was founded in 1871 when Genzo Murai, the seventh generation of the Nanbu clan's samurai, gave up his samurai status and began brewing sake in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. As he made a fresh start as a merchant from his samurai days and ushered in the new Meiji era, the brewery was inspired by a waka poem from the Manyoshu collection, depicting a boat setting out early in the morning...

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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
• Phone number: 019-652-3111
• Official URL: Asakai Co., Ltd. official website
• Business hours: 9:00-18:00 (brewery tour and local sake museum)
• Holidays: Irregular

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Shiwa Sake Brewery

Shiwa Sake Brewery in Shiwa Town is a unique brewery that works with local farmers to cultivate sake rice while preserving the traditions of the Nanbu Toji brewers The sake brewing process, which uses rice cultivated together with contracted farmers and the pure underground water of the Kitakami River, is truly a community-based effort.

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.

Shiwa Sake Brewery ＜Information＞

• Name: Shiwa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
• Address: 2-4 Izumiyashiki, Miyate, Shiwa-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture
• Official URL: Shiwa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. Official Website

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Hachinohe Sake Brewery (Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture)

Hachinohe Sake Brewery is a sake brewery that continues to take on new challenges while preserving the traditional techniques of the Nanbu Toji. Here, the Toji are directly involved in the processes of koji making and fermentation management, and sake is brewed by hand. On the brewery tour, you can see the tools the Toji actually use in brewing and the koji room , and experience the aroma and temperature differences of fermentation.

Hachinohe Sake Brewery <Information>

• Name: Hachinohe Shuzo Co., Ltd.
• Address: 9 Honmachi Minatomachi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture
• Phone number: 0178-33-1171
• Official URL: Hachinohe Sake Brewery Official Website
• Business hours: 10:00-16:00
• Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays

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Winter is the best time to visit a sake brewery!

The brewmaster is at his peak during the cold winter months. For this reason, winter is definitely the best time to visit a sake brewery. The sound of fermenting koji and the sight of the steam rising are the perfect opportunity to experience the excitement of sake brewing. 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 in Ishidoriya-cho, Hanamaki City, is a valuable facility where you can learn about the history and culture of the Nanbu Toji. Ishidoriya, said to be the birthplace of the Nanbu Toji , has long been a region where sake brewing has flourished, and at this museum you can experience the techniques and spirit that have been passed down by the Toji through actual materials and exhibits.

Inside the museum, you'll find traditional tools used in sake brewing, the work clothes worn by the brewers, and exhibits that recreate the sake brewing process, a space where you can learn with all five senses how sake is made . The large exhibit that recreates the brewing process is particularly impressive, and is highly rated for giving you 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
• Official URL: Hanamaki City Tourism Association
• Opening hours: 9:00-16:30 (tasting until 16:00)
• Holidays: December 29th - January 1st

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The spirit of the Nanbu brewer resides in every cup of sake

Nanbu Toji are the pride of Iwate, master sake brewers, and bearers of a culture that pours its soul into sake . Their history, techniques, and spirituality are deeply rooted not only in the taste of sake, but also in the local culture and the lives of the 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.

Ryoko

A freelance writer who loves delicious food and history. Traveling around the towns and people of Tohoku is her life's work.