Online sake brewery study abroad report (Ozawa Sake Brewery)
Online sake brewery study abroad isA sake experience service where you can connect directly with local sake breweries and toast together while staying at home.It is.
You can also taste the thoughts and personality of the creator, and through sake you can learn about life, make new connections, and"Oshizou"It becomes a place where things are born.
In this article, we will introduce the sake breweries that have participated in the online sake brewery study abroad program!
Please take a look at the sake brewery's thoughts and commitment through this article.♪
This time, we would like to introduce Ozawa Sake Brewery, a sake brewery in Okutama, Tokyo, which has a history of over 300 years.♪
About Ozawa Sake Brewery
First of all, when you hear the words "Tokyo sake," what kind of brand comes to mind?
If the name "Sawanoi" suddenly pops into your head, you must be someone who loves Japanese sake.
"Sawanoi" is something you have probably seen at least once in a pub or Japanese restaurant. It's a major drink for Japanese sake lovers.
However, when it comes to the creator's commitment,Continuing in Tokyo for over 300 yearsThere's probably a lot of things you don't know about, such as its history as a sake brewery and the climate of Okutama.
Because it is such a familiar drink, there are surprisingly few opportunities to tell the story behind it.
This time,The unknown history of Ozawa Sake Brewery, which continues for 23 generationsOpening up the modern era fromPhilosophy of 23rd generation brewer and president Mikio Ozawa, and introduce the charms of tourist sake breweries!
You'll want to visit Sawanoi's brewery in Okutama.
The history of Ozawa Sake Brewery, starting with the Takeda clan vassals (Video: 44:50-50:15)
Ozawa Sake Brewery stands on the banks of a clear stream in Okutama.
“More than 300 years, 23 generations” - Just by hearing this number, you can understand how Ozawa Sake Brewery is one of the oldest sake breweries in the Japanese sake industry.
What is even more surprising is thatIts roots go back to the vassals of Sengoku warlords.That's what it means.
According to the president of the 23rd generation brewer, Mikio Ozawa,
“Originally, my ancestors were from neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture.”
In fact, the first generation was a vassal of Sengoku warlord Takeda Shingen, and was so important that he was even called the ``chief vassal.''
Also appears in taiga dramasDo you know the military commander Anayama Baisetsu?
The Ozawa family's ancestors were from the Anayama clan.
``I now call myself Ozawa, but the first generation of the family was originally Mr. Anayama.If Takeda Shingen had not been defeated, we might have become famous as ``Anayama Sake Brewery'' by now.''
However, when Takeda Shingen was defeated in battle, his chief vassals, the Anayama family, were naturally subject to being beheaded.
At Takeda Company, I am a director. In that case, I had to run for my life.
``From Yamanashi, after passing through the mountains of the prefecture, you arrive at Okutama in neighboring Tokyo, which is a bit deep in the mountains, so if you come down from Okutama a little closer to the private houses,
It is connected to Sawai, Ome City, where Ozawa Sake Brewery is now located.
However, since he is in a position to hide himself, the surname ``Anayama'' stands out too much.
So he begged a man called Mr. Ozawa, who lived in Sawai's area, to give him his last name.
Since then, this family has continued to call themselves ``Ozawa.''
Exactly"The Ozawa family carries a history of surviving from the age of warring states."
Of course, the Ozawa family, who came from a samurai family, did not start out as a sake brewer.
``Originally, I was a samurai,'' he said, so he hid here in Sawai, secretly wishing for the revival of the Takeda family.
However, as time passed, the Takeda family died out, and the Sengoku era came to an end.
The Ozawa family decided to live as ordinary citizens.The 7th generation started the sake brewing business.
Until then, the family managed to maintain a forestry business and keep their home together.
``Back then, everything from building ships to houses to building bridges was made of wood, so wood was extremely valuable and sold for a high price.''
Sake brewing and lumber processing - these two pillars have continued for over 300 years.
However, after the war, the rise of imported lumber made domestic lumber unprofitable, and under the president's father, the forestry industry quietly came to an end.
The brand name "Sawanoi" comes from the name of the local area, Sawai, Ome City, and represents the abundant and pure water that gushes out from this area.
Actually in the same warehouseHas both soft and hard water for preparationIt is also an extremely rare entity nationwide.
Currently the 23rd generation brewer and president Mikio Ozawa.Balance between tradition and innovationWe are leading Tokyo's sake culture while exquisitely capturing the sake culture.
President Mikio Ozawa, the 23rd generation brewer who leads a long-established store into trends (Video: 2:37:50-2:41:50, 41:50-44:25, 50:20-51:35, 59:04-59:40, 1:24:13-1:27:08)
President Ozawa, who has inherited an extraordinary 23rd generation,Although we protect our traditional, long-established breweries, we never become defensive, and instead take a flexible approach to sake brewing in line with the times.
I feel that their management philosophy is packed with hints for predicting the future of the sake industry.
``Alcohol making is a luxury item with no right answer in a sense, so I don't think the concept of what's good and what's bad and what's bad or bad doesn't exist in the first place,'' says President Ozawa.The core of our sake quality design is the unique concept of ``3:3:3'' below.
Market Trends 30%: “I definitely think we can't ignore it as long as we're doing business.”
My own subjective opinion: 30%: It's not interesting just to make things that are popular. Take care of your own preferences
Sawanoi-ness 30%: The image that customers have of Sawanoi and the position that meets their expectations
"Don't get too caught up in trends, but don't get too complacent either." This exquisite sense of balance may be the secret behind Sawanoi's sake being loved by a wide range of fans for a long time.
But surprisingly,President Ozawa himself is not a brewer.
There is a separate brewer, and the company president laughs and says, ``I'm just someone who says things from the sidelines.''
However, in reality, sake brewing begins with a word from the company president.
``It starts with me saying, ``I want to make this kind of alcohol.'' Then, we discuss things like, ``What do you think about this design, which is what makes us unique and what we're good at?'' Then, no, no, we think we should make some minor adjustments, and then we work together with the brewer to finalize the design.''
The interaction between the brewer, who is a technical professional, and the brewer, who is the face and vision of the brewery. The roles may be similar to those in charge of planning and development.
It is from this dialogue between the two that each of Sawanoi's works is born.
The thing that tested President Ozawa the most as a manager was the coronavirus pandemic.
I was forced to make a decision to drastically reorganize the business that had been extensively developed since my grandfather's time.
“There shouldn’t be any fluctuations in the judgment criteria, so when we decided to make it consistent,
within myselfThe most necessary and important thing in this region is water.So I kept the business with a water-related concept and started a new business."
Businesses that have little connection to water will be closed down.
On the other hand, we have taken a bold step toward consistent management centered around water, such as opening a new cafe that uses brewed water from our brewery.
The question is whether the head of a long-established, traditional store will have the courage not to leave anything behind.
Moreover, President Ozawa's focus is not just on Japan.
Currently, Sawanoi is exported to 10 countries around the world, but I am also concerned about the current situation.
This is because, currently, sake is consumed in urban areas overseas, but not in rural areas.
``I think that from the local people's point of view, sake is considered to be a very unusual and special drink.''
In other words, sake is still considered a special drink like champagne overseas.
However, the president's goal is to
``We, the Japanese people of today, are a little moreI hope that as sake spreads overseas, it will become a more common drink, just like adding wine to a shopping cart.That's what I think," he said.
Looking to the future while preserving tradition.
Beyond the gaze of the 23rd generation brewer,A view of "SAKE" that goes beyond Japan's boundariesis expanding.
A unique sake brewery that has both “soft water” and “hard water” (Video: 51:45-55:18, 56:23-57:45)
It is said that half of the ingredients in Japanese sake are water, and the quality of the water affects the taste.
When it comes to water, Ozawa Sake Brewery has a strength that is extremely rare even in Japan.
That's it“You can use both soft water and hard water.”A unique feature.
The beautiful brand name "Sawanoi". This is a storehouseSawai, Ome CityIt is derived from the place name.
``If you read the old descriptions, you'll find the phrase ``use the stream as a well,'' meaning that the water from the stream would be used as a well.It's an area where stream water is extremely abundant and clean, and that's why it's become the name of the place.''
There is also a clear stream area where wasabi can be harvested nearby.
People are often surprised that ``wasabi can be grown in Tokyo,'' which is proof that the water in this area is of high quality.
The place name, the brand name, and the quality of the sake itself. It can be said that everything is connected as one by "water".
And surprisingly,
``The water quality changes when you cross a river.The area where there is a storehouse has hard water, but when you cross the river, the water changes to soft water.''President Ozawa told us about the miraculous location of this land.
Hard water and soft water spring just one river apart. This topography is said to be almost unprecedented, even when viewed nationwide.
Therefore, the brewery is located on the banks of a V-shaped valley where the Tama River flows, and water is drawn from two sources across the river.
``One of Ozawa Sake Brewery's major characteristics and strengths is that when it comes to what kind of sake you want to make, you can select and design water.''
Count backwards from the sake you want to make."You can choose the water itself"--This is Sawanoi's unique freedom and strength that no other brewery can imitate.
“Men’s sake” and “women’s sake” – what are the two expressions determined by water?
So, what exactly is the difference between hard water and soft water?
President Ozawa simply explains that it's a "difference in fermentation power."
Hard water is rich in minerals, which allows yeast to work actively and fermentation to proceed rapidly. The finished product is a powerful full body type. This used to be"Otokozake"I called it.
Soft water, on the other hand, has fewer minerals and fermentation proceeds more gently and slowly.
The end result is a soft and, in a good way, thin liquor. Once upon a time"Onnazake"It seems that it was called.
He said, ``There are two types of Junmai Ginjo, one with soft water and one with hard water, and they are designed differently from the water to begin with, so I want you to feel the difference.''
in the same warehouseA brewery that can make both men's sake and women's sake.
Why not try drinking and comparing them and enjoy the different expressions that the water brings?
Tourist Sake Brewery “Sawanoi MAP” (Video: 1:08:26-1:13:52, 1:19:10-1:24:00)
The appeal of Ozawa Sake Brewery is not just the sake itself.
Okutama's rich natureThere are cafes, museums, galleries, and even a temple on the vast grounds.
A tourist sake brewery that you can enjoy during the dayThere is a face as.
Its origins lie in the company's president's grandfather's generation.
At that time, there was a trend for moderately sized sake breweries in rural areas to advertise through TV commercials. Certainly, around the time of the bubble economy, even small and medium-sized businesses could afford to run TV commercials.
Naturally, my grandfather also used a big budget.I ran a TV commercial, and the majority of people's reactions were "I've never seen it before."It was.
Disappointed, my grandfather came up with a project similar to the ``sake brewery tour'' that has become commonplace in modern times.
However, there was one barrier. This is because sake breweries at that time wereFor better or for worse, ``It's just a production site where sake is made, and there's no point in it being visited by ordinary people.''That idea remained.
Naturally, there was a voice of opposition from the brewers, but we pushed through it.The brewery tour, which my grandfather started as a guide, eventually grew into one of Sawanoi's most representative tourist attractions.
The hotel's convenient location, just a 5-minute walk from the nearest station, was also said to be one of the factors that attracted so many people.
More than 10 types of "Sawanoi" are always available! (Video: 1:13:25-1:13:52)
After the brewery tour, where would you recommend next?"Kiki sake place"。
This is an indispensable facility when talking about Sawanoi, a tourist sake brewery.
``It's not fun to just tour and go home, so if you stop by the ``Kikisake-dokoro,'' which offers tastings for a fee, you can enjoy a variety of sake, from daiginjo and ordinary sake to slightly special sake,'' says President Ozawa.
Currently, Sawanoi's lineup includes about 20 items in total. We have a truly diverse lineup, from standard bottles to special, limited-edition sake that is hard to come across.
``When I started making kimoto, the number increased rapidly...'' the president said with a wry smile.
The inquisitive spirit of the makers is reflected in the richness of the brand.
The best part of Kikisakedokoro is, above all,It's nice to be able to compare drinks little by little.
Like the ``Soten'' and ``Tokyo Kurodo'' introduced in this article, even the same Junmai Ginjo can have completely different expressions depending on the water and manufacturing method. You can check it on the spot.
That's why I say, "I still don't know what I like."A must-visit place for sake beginnersThere is also.
As you taste Sawanoi brewed with pure water little by little, you will surely like it.You're sure to find "the one just for you".
The coffee and sweets made with Sawanoi water are exquisite! (Video: 1:19:10-1:20:43)
This cafe was launched by President Ozawa as a new business in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Here,Coffee brewed with water used for sake brewingYou can taste it.
"We serve coffee brewed with the water used for sake."
Because soft water is suitable for coffee,We use soft water from Sawanoi.
Enjoying a fragrant cup while looking at the beautiful nature of Okutama is a special moment.♪
What you can't miss is"Soy milk cheesecake".
They also produce tofu and yuba in-house using the water used to prepare the soy milk, and the host couldn't help but lean in and say, "Isn't it absolutely delicious?" the cheesecake made from that soy milk.
Born from a brewery that pays particular attention to water,Sweets that can only be tasted hereIt is!
Even if you can't drink alcohol or are on a drive,A place where you can fully enjoy the blessings of Sawanoi's waterIt is.
Gyokudo Art Museum, a museum associated with the master of Japanese art, Gyokudo Kawai (Video: 1:20:43-1:21:17)
There is also a facility called ``Gyokudo Museum'' on the premises.
What is displayed here isWorks by Gyokudo Kawai, a master of the Japanese art worldA number of.
In fact, Kawai Gyokudo is said to have a deep connection with the Ozawa family.
``My grandmother's house was the Kawai family, so Kawai Gyokudo is a relative,'' said President Ozawa. In other words,An ancestor of President OzawaThat's it.
This museum is run to carefully protect these works and pass them on to future generations.
This place is built in the beautiful scenery of the valley, and you can not only admire the works, but also see the nature of Okutama itself that looks like a painting.
Get drunk on alcohol, art, and scenery――Such a luxurious time is passing by.
Experience art along with alcohol (Video: 1:22:00-1:22:32)
Ozawa Sake Brewery is visited by many people on a daily basis for its brewery and sake.
The facility is set up so that visitors can experience art as well as drinking alcohol."Sawanoi Garden Gallery"
A free space open to the community.
``A lot of people exhibit there, and we have people who have had drinks look at our paintings, and we also display photos that we have taken for fun.''
In addition to professional works, there is a wide variety of works, including hobby drawings and photographs.
It's also a place where you can have a drink and come across something unexpected.
An experience where you can interact with art in a relaxed mannerWhy not try it?
[Ozawa Sake Brewery]
〒198-0172
2-770 Sawai, Ome City, Tokyo
TEL: 0428-78-8215
HP:https://www.sawanoi-sake.com/
Online shop:https://shop.sawanoi-sake.com/
Introducing Ozawa Sake Brewery's sake♪
Sawanoi Junmai Ginjo Namazake Soten (Video: 37:40-39:26)
The rice polishing ratio is %. Brewed with soft water, it has a gentle texture and is light to drink.
``Basically, we design our sake with a lot of balance in mind, so we design the quality of our sake to be one or two steps short of being too aromatic or too sweet.''
An exquisite ``subtraction'' that does not overstate the aroma or sweetness. That's why it doesn't interfere with cooking.
This ``Souten'' shows its true potential when it comes with meals.
They are often placed in Japanese restaurants and sushi restaurants, and Mr. Ozawa's recommendation is "Sashimi”.
In fact, participants in the online sake brewery study abroad program said,
``I tried adding vinegar to smoked salmon to make it carpaccio style.''
“It looks like it would go well with white fish.”
There was also a statement.
The name ``Souten'' comes from the image of ``a refreshing blue sky with the clarity and refreshing feeling of Junmai Ginjo''.
Because of its thin lines and delicate taste,Gently enhances the flavor of light seafood, it's the perfect drink after a bath, and it brought smiles to the faces of the participants!
■Sawanoi Junmai Ginjo Namazake Soten Specs■
| raw materials | Rice (domestic)/Rice malt (domestic) |
|---|---|
| Rice used | Gohyakumangoku (produced in Niigata Prefecture) |
| yeast | original yeast |
| Rice polishing ratio | 55% |
| Alcohol level | 14 degrees |
| Japanese sake level | +1 |
| acidity | 1.6 |
Sawanoi Junmai Ginjo Kimoto Tokyo Kurodo (Video: 55:35-58:13, 1:00:30-1:03:50)
This one has exactly the same raw rice and rice polishing rate as "Souten".
However, from the moment you put it in your mouth, the expression on its face is surprisingly different.
It has more umami and a layered taste.
The secret is, of course, "water" and "manufacturing method."
There are only two differences with "Souten".
"The use of hard water and Kimoto-zukuri"is to be.
The rest of the raw materials are the same.
In fact, hard water rich in minerals activates fermentation and produces acid.
If ``Soten'' is a ``onna sake'' with a thin line, this is a ``man sake'' with a strong structure.
Recommended pairings include:We also recommend meat dishes, fried chicken, cheese, and enjoying them warm.It is!
■Sawanoi Junmai Ginjo Kimoto Tokyo Kurodo Specs■
| raw materials | Rice (domestic)/Rice malt (domestic) |
|---|---|
| Rice used | Gohyakumangoku (produced in Niigata Prefecture) |
| yeast | original yeast |
| Rice polishing ratio | 55% |
| Alcohol level | 15 degrees |
| Japanese sake level | +1 |
| acidity | 1.9 |
Ozawa Sake Brewery Q&A
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Summary
Ozawa Sake Brewery in Okutama, Tokyo is a long-established sake brewery with a history of over 300 years.
Its roots go back to the top vassal (Anayama clan) of Sengoku warlord Takeda Shingen, who fled to Okutama after the war, changed his surname to Ozawa, and went into hiding.
In the past, the family was engaged in forestry while maintaining the family, and the seventh generation started producing sake.
The biggest strength isA rare location where you can use both "soft water" and "hard water" in the same breweryIt is located in
Because the quality of the water that springs across the Tama River differs, we use soft water for soft and delicate sake, and hard water for strong and structured sake, so we choose water and prepare it according to the taste we are aiming for.
The grounds, which are rich in nature, are also full of facilities that allow you to enjoy sightseeing during the day.
At ``Kikisakedokoro,'' you can always taste and compare more than 10 types of ``Sawanoi,'' and ``CAFE Shizuku,'' where you can enjoy coffee made with sake brewing water and exquisite ``soy milk cheesecake'' made with our own soy milk, is also popular!
Additionally, there is also the Gyokudo Art Museum, which exhibits works by Gyokudo Kawai, a master of Japanese painting who is a relative, and the Sawanoi Garden Gallery, where exhibitions of works are held.This is a perfect spot not only for alcohol lovers but also for those who want to explore art and the scenery of Okutama.
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! !
Hobbies: Standing bar, going to rock bars, gym, cooking, movies
