What is online sake brewery study abroad?
Online sake brewery study abroad isA sake mail order service that allows you to connect directly with local alcohol makers and toast together while staying at home.It is.
You can also taste the thoughts and personality of the sake brewer, and through sake you can learn about life and create new connections.
Having fun learning with friends who live far away will make your regular drinks even more delicious and flavorful.
・I want to go on a sake brewery tour, but I don't have time...
・I want to increase my knowledge of various types of sake!
・I want a friend who loves sake!
・I want to support sake breweries! !
This is a place that is highly recommended for those who have these kinds of thoughts! !
53rd Online Sake Brewery Study Abroad
■Date and time: March 15th (Sat) 19:00~
■Speaker: Masaru Ito, 9th generation brewer of Ito Co., Ltd.
This time we will introduce local sake from Aichi Prefecture."Shikishima"Ito Co., Ltd., the brewer of
A regular international student recommended Shikishima to me, saying, ``Drink this!'' He took a sip and was astonished.
The rice had a perfect balance of flavor, sweetness, and acidity, and I was instantly hooked.
Ito Co., Ltd. was once the largest sake brewery in Chubu.
After going out of business for 21 years, Yu Ito, the 9th generation owner, was able to re-acquire the sake brewing license at a young age and make a successful comeback.
And this time, as a new attemptMore variations of Shikishima aluminum cans and bottlesThat's what I said!
Surprisingly, Mr. Ito has prepared the aluminum can bottle for us ahead of its release! !
In the 53rd Online Sake Brewery Study Abroad, we tasted and compared the aluminum can bottled "Shikishima", so we would like to review it along with the charm of the brewery.♪
About Ito Corporation
Japanese sake"Shikishima"Ito Co., Ltd., the brewer of
The brewery is located in Kamezaki-cho, Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, which once prospered as a brewing and shipping town with over 50 sake breweries.
The predecessor company, Ito Limited Partnership Company, was founded in 1788.
Chita Peninsula is the landBecause it was closer to the Kanto region than Nada and Fushimi, which were famous for sake, alcohol from this area was able to be delivered to Edo quickly.“Chinese sake (liquor from the Chubu region)”It was popular in Edo as a.
The representative brand ``Shikishima'' was popular in ``Kojikiden'' at the same time.Japanese literary scholar of Edo“Norinaga Motoori”bywas chanted“The Yamato spirit of Shikishima is interrogated by the mountain cherry blossoms that smell in the morning sun.”Named after the poem.
``Shikishima's''is a phrase that touches the heart of Yamato and is a word that expresses Japan.
In 1923, it was the only company in the jurisdiction of the Nagoya Taxation Bureau Supervisory Bureau (four Tokai prefectures, Nagano prefecture, and Niigata prefecture)."Yokozuna" It became one of the leading sake breweries in the Chubu region, and Shikishima became a famous sake worthy of the Yamato name.
In addition to sake brewing, Ito Goshi Kaisha became well-known throughout the country, and became a conglomerate with deep roots in the local industry, engaging in wholesale businesses, miso and soy sauce businesses, drug stores, and the establishment of banks.
It was one of the largest sake breweries in the Chubu region, but due to a decline in demand for sake starting in the 1970s and other business failures, it surrendered its brewing license in 2000 and closed down, ending its more than 200-year history.
However, in 2021, "Shikishima" in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, was revived as a sake brewery by the ninth generation "Yu Ito".“Creating sake that touches the heart and increasing the value of meal time”The mission is[Alcohol that makes 1+1=3]It once again became famous throughout the country.
``Shikishima'' has a strong, umami flavor, yet has a smooth, sharp taste.
Even if you drink it every day, every time“Delicious”(= meaning ``very delicious'' in Nagoya dialect) It is still brewed today in Kamezaki, with the aim of being a sake that you can enjoy with your meal.
Mission as the 9th generation brewer
Mr. Yu Ito, Representative Director of Ito Co., Ltd.
Although he was born as the ninth generation of the Ito family, the brewery went out of business in 2000, so he did not get involved in sake brewing after graduating from university, and in 2007 he started working for the major telecommunications company NTT Docomo.
While working hard at work such as rate planning at the Tokyo head office and Nagoya, a turning point came.
That was when my grandfather passed away in 2014.
In Kamezaki, there is a custom of keeping a vigil so that the candles remain lit until the funeral, and Mr. Ito was on duty the day before the wake.
At that time, I met a piece of ``Shikishima''.
This was built before it went out of business."Shikishima Junmai Daiginjo Jun"。
Mr. Ito stored the raw sake that had been sitting in the refrigerator for 14 years next to his grandfather.I'll say it.
When he did that, he felt the deliciousness pervading his five organs and organs.
Mr. Ito was surprised that the Junmai Daiginjo produced 14 years ago had retained its structure so well and was so concentrated in flavor, and once again realized the great potential of Shikishima.
At the same time, he begins to question the significance of his existence as the Ninth Generation.
My father went out of business, so as the ninth generation, what can I leave behind for future generations?
Kamezaki Town was once bustling with many sake breweries.
Those who know about the past unanimously say, ``The old days were amazing.''
Those words were very frustrating for Mr. Ito.
I don't want the activities and wonderful culture of Kamezaki that have continued since Edo to die out in my generation.
We also want to continue conveying the taste of Shikishima.
Mr. Ito revived the sake brewery once again as the ninth generation.Recovering the life of Kamezaki and connecting it to the futureI felt that this was my mission.
The road to “Shikishima revival”
Mr. Ito has discovered the meaning of his existence, but although he had been drinking sake up until now, he had no knowledge of sake brewing.
In order to revive the sake brewery, there were many challenges that needed to be cleared, such as learning the basics of sake brewing and obtaining a manufacturing license, so preparations had to be made.
First of all, while working at NTT Docomo,In the winters of 2016 and 2017, he spent about a week making sake at Koikawa Sake Brewery (Yamagata Prefecture), which he had a relationship with since his predecessor.
In 2018, he retired from NTT Docomo and worked as a brewer at Chochin Sake Brewery (Aichi Prefecture), learning about sake brewing through the brewing process for the first time.
However, at this time, Mr. Ito felt that if things continued as they were, there would be no progress towards obtaining a manufacturing license.
Currently,In Japan, the issuance of new sake manufacturing licenses is not permitted in order to balance demand and supply.
Therefore, currently the only way to obtain a license is to acquire shares in a company that already has a manufacturing license (M&A).
Since my time at NTT Docomo, I have been looking for a sake brewery that would consider transferring the company, but there were no projects that would allow me to relocate to Kamezaki, and it was difficult to obtain a license.
At that time, I met the brewer of Inoue Sake Brewery (Kanagawa Prefecture) at a sake event held in Tokyo in 2019.
Inoue Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.'s Japanese sake brand"HINEMOS"Mr. Ito learned that he was doing contract brewing.“Commission brewing”This option will be added to your plan.
First of all, I decided to prioritize the revival of the Shikishima brand, and decided toFukumochi Sake Brewery (Mie Prefecture)We decided to contract out the brewing.
“Shikishima 0th step” started
The brewer of “Tenka Nishiki”Fukumochi Sake Brewery's chief brewer, Mr. Seijiro Hane, is the son of the niece of the previous brewer.
Mr. Hane is in a similar situation to Mr. Ito, having worked as a systems engineer after graduating from university, and in 2015 took over a sake brewery that had no successor.
Mr. Hane was a great learning experience for Mr. Ito in terms of sake brewing and management.
Mr. Hane is happy that a young man in a similar situation to himself is relying on him, so he gladly accepts the request for commissioned brewing.
In this way, Mr. Ito personally procured one tank's worth of sake rice, and in 2020, he will begin preparing "Shikishima" at Fukumochi Sake Brewery.
And here is the long-awaited Shikishima, who has returned for the first time in 19 years."Shikishima 0th step"。
"Turn 0 to 1"
“Sake brewing starts from scratch in Kamezaki, Handa City, Aichi Prefecture”
With this feeling in mind, we named it ``Shikishima 0 Steps''.
Mr. Ito established a company that had acquired a liquor sales license in advance, and began selling the Shikishima 0fume, which was made at Fukumochi Sake Brewery, by himself and selling it wholesale to liquor stores.
At first, there were four stores.
The first impression I heard was when a high school senior called me and said, ``It's really delicious.''
For Mr. Ito, this was the first time he realized that he had made his own sake, and it was a happy moment.
Shortly after its release, ``Shikishima 0stepme'' became a hot topic on social media and sold out in no time.
M&A completed! Towards the revival of sake breweries.
Having finally revived the Shikishima brand, Mr. Ito is now on track to obtain a manufacturing license.
``Shikishima 0fume'', which has become popular on SNS, will be carried at the sake specialty store ``Ponshuya'' in Tokyo.
In September 2020, Ito met Hiroki Tokuhara, a man who was attending the store and wanted to open a liquor store.When he opened a liquor store, he received a request to put ``Shikishima'' there.
However, Mr. Ito says that there is still no prospect of obtaining a manufacturing license.
Then, Mr. Tokuhara offered to work with us to find a project for which we could obtain a manufacturing license.
These words were reassuring to Mr. Ito, who was at the time when another M&A project had fallen through.
A month later, Mr. Tokuhara said,
“Mr. Ito, there is a sake brewery in the Kanto region that we can transfer, but how much are you willing to pay?”
I actually got a call.
Although Mr. Ito was surprised by the sudden development, he cleared various conditions, proceeded smoothly with the transfer negotiations, and completed the M&A.
And finally, in March 2021We were able to re-obtain a sake production license.
At the same time, in January 2021, we were able to buy back our former manufacturing site, Honkura, and a new factory.
Then, on December 1, 2021, the relocation of the manufacturing license to Kamezaki was approved, and after more than 20 years, the brewer of sake "Shikishima" in Kamezaki-cho, Handa City was renamed Ito Co., Ltd.I'm back.
As the ninth generation of the Ito family, Mr. Ito was finally able to stand on the starting line.
Experience the charm of Kamezaki! Historic complex “Ito Goshi”
One of the reasons Mr. Ito wanted to revive the sake brewery was to preserve the attractive buildings that still exist on the brewery's grounds, including the 200-year-old main house and the former bank office, into the future.
We believe that by reviving the sake ``Shikishima'' sake in Kamezaki and connecting and utilizing the remaining buildings, we can restore its original activities.A historic complex that was completed in January 2024 as a space to enjoy food, alcohol, and events."Ito Joint Venture"It is.
The concept is"KURAMURA"。
We want the atmosphere and atmosphere from the Edo period to remain intact, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the time as if you have traveled back in time.
Then enjoy the food and drinks made from the main ingredients, water and sake lees.
Exactly“Kuramura where you can enjoy time”。
『We want people who don't drink alcohol, or the next generation who can't drink alcohol, to learn about the charm of Kamezaki, which flourished through brewing. ”
With this in mind, we have created a facility where you can experience a variety of things.
Ito Goshi, which boasts an area of over 5,000 square meters, currently has three main facilities, so what kind of shops and experiences can you have?
We would like to introduce each of them!
Restaurant gaw
A test kitchen with a goal of “zero kilometers.”
Pesticide-free and no-tillage vegetables grown in Minamichita.
Fresh fish from Katana Market.
The management team raises their own Wagyu beef and makes miso and soy sauce from the soybeans harvested in the fields.
The restaurant ``gnaw'' is a place where innovative traditional dishes are created from ``the ingredients you have right in front of you'' instead of buying ``the ingredients you want to eat or use''.
A dish that no one has ever seen, no one has ever made, no one has ever eaten, and no one has ever drunk.
Please enjoy the “food” and “air” of Chita Peninsula that our predecessors have built.“Nibble”Please take a look。
■Restaurant gnaw：https://ito-goshi.com/gnaw/
Sake Cafe Nijimi
Kamezaki was once a land where the sake brewery culture was deeply rooted and brought prosperity.
As the center of the community, it was a place where many people visited, regardless of whether they drank alcohol or not.
This culture passed down by our ancestorsA place that connects you to the future.
Like a former sake brewery, this is a place where many people come to experience and talk about culture.
``Sake Cafe Nijimi'' was born as a place where tradition and innovation blend together with taste.
At Nijimi, you can enjoy a unique pairing experience with experimentally brewed sake that can only be tasted at the sake brewery, flavor combinations from Shikishima's beloved place, and innovative traditional dishes created by Kilometer Zero's test kitchen.
In addition, the test kitchen is developing non-alcoholic mixology cocktails and mocktails using Shikishima water and rice malt, so it is attractive that you can enjoy non-alcoholic pairing experiences that even alcoholic drinkers would envy.♪
Enjoy a time that can only be found here, and the blend of past and future, with various elements such as lunch, cafe, dinner, and takeout.
■Sake Cafe Nijimi：https://ito-goshi.com/nijimi/
Kura no store Kamekuchi
When it was Ito Limited Partnership Company.
Part of the sake brewery was also the town's bank and post office.
Kura-no-Store Kamekuchi is an office that still retains its atmosphere today, and has been turned into a direct sales store as a place for people to stop by.
Bringing ``Shikishima'' and local ``delicious foods'' to your daily dining table.
The Chita Peninsula and nearby areas where Kamezaki is located are rich in fermentation and brewing, starting with sake, miso, tamari, mirin, and white soy sauce.
We have selected masterpieces from these breweries, as well as tea and rice that are commonly used at the on-site cafe and restaurant, as well as original sake vessels and goods.
Deep brown floors and furniture receive light from retro glass.
A sepia-colored award certificate and a heavy iron safe.
And the counter where people have entrusted and exchanged their thoughts and wishes for many years.
At Kamekuchi, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time, where you can not only shop but also enjoy Kakuuchi (tasting for a fee).
Because you can enjoy all of Shikishima,Why not get immersed in Shikishima in a nostalgic space that has remained almost the same since the Meiji and Taisho eras?♪
■Kura no store Nijimi：https://ito-goshi.com/kamekuchi/
Ito's brewery opening "Kamezaki Sake Brewery Festival"
Another event where you can experience the charm of Shikishima and Kamezaki is the annual brewery opening event hosted by Ito Co., Ltd."Kamezaki Sake Brewery Festival"！！
This Kamezaki Sake Brewery Festival is not just the opening of a single brewery.
Three breweries from Aichi Prefecture are gathered in the vast Shikishima brewery.
・Yamatada Honke (Aisai City)Brand name: Yoshiyuki
・Maruishi Jozo (Okazaki City)Brand: Mikawa Bushi, Nito
・Morita Kinshachi Sake Brewery(Kamezaki) Brand: Kinshachi
The gorgeous brewery opening, which is held jointly by four breweries including Shikishima, is truly worthy of the name of the festival, and has been held since 2023.2,3 thousand people every yearWe are proud of the number of participants.
At the Kamezaki Sake Brewery Festival, you can enjoy not only alcohol but also food from various regions, events such as bingo tournaments, live music, workshops, and a variety of other experiences.♪
On this day every year, the area of Kamezaki is filled with energy, and you can feel the power that sake breweries have to attract people.
Also, the must-see at the Kamezaki Sake Brewery Festival is“KT Sake Rice Project”It is.
This project is a collaboration project with ``Farmer KT,'' a member of the rice farmer ``NAORICE'' in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture.
``Farmer KT,'' the managing director of NAORICE, has inherited his grandfather's will and is working with his brother.We produce and sell carefully selected rice that uses fewer pesticides and is environmentally friendly.
She is also an influencer who continues to share the current situation and real activities of rice farmers on social media.
In recent years, the situation for rice farmers has become increasingly difficult, and we wanted people to know about the current situation and to draw attention to it, so we used the same sake rice from NAORICE.3 breweries: “Yoshiyuki”, “Nito”, and “Shikishima”is implementing a project that focuses on the “rice” that produces each type of alcohol.
The Kamezaki Sake Brewery Festival is the place where this sake is unveiled every year.
This is the collaboration product that was unveiled at the 2024 Kamezaki Sake Brewery Festival.
The design of the gorilla label was created by the same designer who also created the ``Ni-Usagi'' label.``The shape of Aichi Prefecture resembles a gorilla, right?'' What I got from this idea.
By the way, each flavor has a concept behind it, and ``Shikishima'' is said to be inspired by an ``elegant gorilla.''
Many people visit every year to try out this collaboration product, and it's a valuable opportunity to compare and enjoy luxurious drinks, so be sure to come to Kamezaki in the spring and join the festival.♪
[Ito Co., Ltd.]
〒475-0023
9-111 Kamezakicho, Handa City, Aichi Prefecture
TEL:0569-29-1125
HP:https://shikishima-ito.com/
Review of 3 types of “Shikishima” aluminum can bottles!
[1st bottle] Shikishima Yamada Nishiki special pure rice aluminum can bottle 180ml
Announced in 2024Shikishima's first can bottle。
The synonymous "Shikishima Yamada Nishiki Special Pure Rice Sake"“Twice pasteurized”This bottle has a mellower texture and a calmer taste than the regular bottle type.
This double burning is the first attempt at Shikishima.Unique taste of canned bottlesIt becomes.
The "Shikishima" can bottle was developed so that even people who have never drank sake can easily enjoy it.
With a capacity of 180ml, it is easy to carry, and it does not take up much space when stored, making it a size that can fit into your daily life.
You can pour it into a glass and drink it, but we also recommend drinking it directly as is, so it can be enjoyed in a wide range of situations such as parties and outdoors.♪
Additionally, the aluminum cans and bottles block UV rays, making them ideal for maintaining quality.
This ``Shikishima Yamada Nishiki Special Junmai Sake'' is characterized by having the flavor, structure, and sharpness typical of Shikishima, but with a well-balanced taste that makes drinking it less tiring.
This is a dish that you can enjoy as the taste changes even after opening the bottle.
Aichi's specialty red miso, especially from Ito Shoten, which is also located on the Chita Peninsula."Denemon miso"When paired with this, the flavors of both are brought out, making it an exquisite dish.
| raw materials | rice, rice malt |
|---|---|
| Rice used | Yamada Nishiki |
| Rice polishing ratio | 60% |
| Alcohol level | 16 degrees |
| pasteurization | twice |
[2nd bottle] Shikishima Special Pure Rice Yume Ginka Unfiltered Unfiltered Sake Aluminum Can Bottle 180ml
This is made using Yume Ginka, a local rice grown on the Chita Peninsula, which is suitable for sake brewing in Aichi.Unfiltered unprocessed sake。
What is sold in regular bottles is ``unfiltered unprocessed sake'', but this can type is ``unfiltered unprocessed sake'' that is pasteurized once.
The taste is refined by pasteurizing it once.“Tastes better than raw unprocessed sake”Mr. Ito evaluates this.
The ``Yume Ginka'' used is a sake rice whose mother is Yamada Nishiki and whose father is Wakamizu, and it is characterized by the wild taste and graininess of Wakamizu.
It has a slightly bitter taste, with a good balance of sweetness, acidity, and sharpness, so it brings out its umami to its fullest when paired with game dishes or ginger-grilled pork made with Mikawa Mirin.
Actually, “Shikishima” is“Hardness”Due to the quality of sakeShake it before drinking to make the taste mellow and enjoy the change in taste.That is the biggest charm.
And by making it into a can bottle, it becomes easier to shake, and even with the up and down vibrations when carrying it, it becomes the best spice and has the advantage of allowing you to enjoy the essence of Shikishima.
| raw materials | rice, rice malt |
|---|---|
| Rice used | Yume Ginka |
| Rice polishing ratio | 60% |
| Alcohol level | 18 degrees |
| pasteurization | 1 time |
[3rd bottle] Shikishima Junmai Ginjo Yume Sansui aluminum can bottle
A Junmai Ginjo made with the sake rice "Yume Sansui" grown in the mountains of Aichi Prefecture.
Yume Sansui is characterized by its ability to produce ``beautiful sake'' with a good aroma and clarity.
In recent years, sake rice has been suffering from high temperature damage, and sake rice harvested in high altitude mountain areas such as Yume Sansui has become a focus.
This Junmai Ginjo has a stable taste due to being pasteurized twice, and has a subtle fruity aroma, elegant flavor, and Shikishima-like sharpness.
It makes a perfect pairing with Ito Goshi's grilled fish made with rice salt!
Also,It is also recommended to serve Shikishima hot.You can easily enjoy it by just placing the can bottle in a pot filled with hot water.
If you open the cap at that time, you can drink deliciously without the alcohol taste building up inside.♪
| raw materials | rice, rice malt |
|---|---|
| Rice used | dream landscape |
| Rice polishing ratio | 50% |
| Alcohol level | 18 degrees |
| pasteurization | twice |
Ito Q&A
Here are some of the questions that were asked to Mr. Ito during this study abroad trip.
- Are aluminum cans and bottles sold at Nagoya Station? I want to take the Izakaya Shinkansen!
- I have an idea.
I've done events with JR Tokai, so I'd like to put it at a Shinkansen station someday. - I understand that you have your own canning machine, but can you also design bottles?
- It can be done.
You can print larger than a bottle, so the possibilities expand. - Since the sake brewery was revived in 2021, it has been producing great results as a sake brewery.Do you have any secrets?
- I think it's because I have a clear vision of what I want to do, not just brewing sake.
And I believe that by working seriously and with all my might, I was able to connect with the characters ``Yoshiyuki'' and ``Two Rabbits.'' - Where can I find information on events in Shikishima?
- Updates are a little slow, but if you check SNS such as Instagram, you will receive information.
How to participate in the online sake brewery study abroad program?
“I want to know more about the thoughts of sake brewers!” “I’m interested in studying abroad at a sake brewery online!”That's calledPlease join us below!
This will be a valuable opportunity to talk directly with a different sake brewery every month, so you might find one you can recommend.♪
We look forward to your participation!
Online sake brewery study abroad process
① Alcohol will be delivered in advance!
・After applying for the online sake brewery study abroad program, the sake will be delivered to your home.
② Participate in online sake brewery study abroad!
・Cheers with the creator! (ZOOM or YouTube LIVE)
・Divided into the first and second halves, we will explore the key points of Oshizo while interacting with everyone.
③ You can make drinking friends all over the country!
・Exchange information online with sake fans from all over the country and make drinking friends.
You can read the report summarizing past online sake brewery study abroad experiences here, so please check it out!
↓ ↓ ↓
With the creator"Connect"
The thoughts of the creator"Peek"
our worldview"Spread"
Cheers with a hands-on pose again next time!
*Past report articleshereFrom! !
