Online Sake Brewery Study Abroad Report (Tsuki no Wa 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 "Tsuki no Wa Sake Brewery", which has a brewery in the birthplace of Nanbu Chief Brewer.♪
About Tsukinowa Sake Brewery
Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture.
In this town, known as the birthplace of one of Japan's three major chief brewers, Nanbu Chief Brewer, there is a brewery that has been quietly and reliably brewing sake since its founding in 1886.
That's it“Tsuki no Washu Sake Brewery”It is.
In 1991, the current chairman (father of chief brewer Hiroko Yokosawa) took over management from the owner as president.
In 2005, Yuko became the chief brewer, and since 2015, her husband Takayuki has been the representative.
From parent and child to daughter. This is a valuable brewery where the husband and wife have continued to carry on the family business of sake brewing.
Furthermore, as you trace the history of this storehouse, you will realize that each story is intertwined with the traditions of the land and the thoughts of the people.
-The name "Moon Ring" derived from the reflection of the moon in the pond-
About a 5-minute drive from the warehouse, there is still a historical site that gives rise to the name "Moon Ring."
It is said that in the late Heian period, the father and son, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and Yoshiie, visited this area during the War of the Nine Years and needed water to set up camp, so they had a pond dug.
Then, the moon was reflected on the surface of the pond and sparkled in the moonlight.
Yoriyoshi and others did thisAuspicious omen of victoryIt is said that he accepted this and actually won the battle.
The incident that occurred on the shore of this pond remains as the place name ``Moon Ring'' and is the origin of the name of the storehouse.
According to the brewery couple, its origin has nothing to do with ``bear''.
Even so, the brewery's logo and labels incorporate bear-related designs because of the interesting meaning of the phrase ``Moon Ring = Asiatic Black Bear.''
Shiwa Town is located in the inland central part of Iwate Prefecture between Morioka and Hanamaki.“Sake Town” where many sake breweries gatherAlso known as.
In addition to producing sake, there are also producers who have wineries, and the entire town has the face of a sake production area.Furthermore, it has convenient transportation, so you can fully immerse yourself in Iwate's sake culture while touring the breweries!
From Wakasaya Sake Brewery to Tsukinowa Sake Brewery - Over 11 years of progress
Originally, the Yokozawa family was a family that came to this area from the Mizusawa area.
The name of the sake brewery was originally ``Wakasaya Sake Brewery'' and it was founded by the 4th generation head of the Yokozawa family out of his passion for sake brewing.
The current warehouse building is 116 years old, and its age is a testament to the history of the warehouse.
“Tsuki no Wa Sake Brewery” is located in a place that is famous for sake."Birthplace of Nanbu Chief Master"Among them, it can be said that it is one of the breweries that has continued to cherish the sake brewing as a family business, while at the same time valuing a sense of unity with the local community.
Brewing local sake not as a company but as a family business
The corporate philosophy advocated by Tsukinowa Shuzoten is"Not as a company, but as a family business"。
Behind these seemingly simple words is the strong determination that only a brewery with a history of 142 years can offer.
For a long time, the mainstream in the sake industry was to pass down the taste from one brewer to the next brewer, rather than from parent to child. However, this means that the flavor itself may change every time the toji changes.
Therefore, when Tsukinowa Sake Brewery became a corporation in the Heisei era, we deliberately went back to our roots and set our philosophy as a "family business."Successive generations of the family have passed on the taste of the brewery.This is because we wanted to bring back the same ``normality'' to sake brewing as local restaurants and tofu shops.
This attitude is reflected in the commitment to raw materials, and the water used for preparation is underground water from the Kitakami River.
As Shiwa Town is famous for its rice cultivation, approximately 80-90% of the rice used is from Iwate Prefecture.
We even use local glutinous rice, which is considered difficult to make with koji, and are releasing it as a limited edition brew.
If you call yourself a “jizakaya”,"I want to make it with local rice, not rice from other countries."
This kind of honesty towards the land can be said to be the pride of a family-run brewery.
The strength of this family business is also reflected in our organizational structure.
Chief brewer Yuko Yokozawa has deliberately maintained a system that does not allow the work to be concentrated solely on her, with the aim of ``allowing anyone to work in any department.''
“You can move without me, even if you suddenly collapse.”
As he says, rather than relying on one person's charisma,Protecting the taste throughout the breweryI think this clearly shows his determination and his forward-looking perspective as a manager.
In fact, among the six brewers, Yuko's husband, President Takayuki Yokozawa, provides a wide range of support, from bottling and shipping to caring for the apple orchard, accounting, and household matters.
``We were able to overcome it because we worked together as a team,'' he says.
“Gentle aroma, strong flavor, and supple alcohol quality”—that’s what we aim for.What Yuko values is "waiting."
Sake brewing is a job that relies on the power of microorganisms, so it is important to have the patience to finish the sake as naturally as possible without overdoing it.
Don't rush, don't rush the process, take your time and let the flavors come together.
That is exactly whatBrewing local sake as a family business rather than a companyI think it is.
Yuko Yokozawa, the female brewer who inherited the brewery
Yuko Yokozawa was born as the eldest of three sisters. When he was a child, he apparently wrote in his essays, ``My dream is to be a female president.''Around the time he passed his adolescence, he thought, ``I was definitely going to inherit the brewery.''
What made me think so was the closed atmosphere that is unique to the countryside, where you feel like you are being watched from left to right.
And the stereotypes of my parents' generation that ``this is what women should be.'' Both of these seemed to be very cramped for Yuko as she grew up.
That's why I chose a junior college in Tokyo as a school that would definitely allow me to go to Tokyo based on a recommendation from my high school, and majored in fashion.
At that time, I had a strong desire to leave my hometown.
However, as he spent time in Tokyo surrounded by the latest and beautiful things, he gradually began to realize the charm and value of things that have tradition and have been passed down.
It is only when you leave your hometown that you realize the wealth of your hometown.
“I think there are some people who just want to get into sake brewing, but I started at a pace where I thought I would give it a try.”said Yuko.
However, he went on to say, ``Maybe it's my calling, or maybe it's not my calling. That's how I feel about it.''
Even though I feel conflicted about whether this is what I really wanted to do, I continue to do it... Surprisingly, this seems to be quite common among business people and celebrities who are considered successful by the world.
There is a way to just search for what you want to do, but the idea is to remove what you don't want to do, and it makes me think that there are various ways to choose from ``just doing what you can do right now.''
Well, Yuko decided to return to the brewery with the feeling of ``I'll just give it a try''.
The first place I visited was the Brewing Research Institute in Hiroshima. Over the course of three months, I learned the basics of making moromi (moromi), and after returning to my hometown, I continued to improve my skills while learning from the brewer on site. However, the path is by no means easy.
Unfortunately, at the time, there was a certain amount of prejudice just because a woman brewed sake.
"Even if I work as hard as everyone else, I still get attention just because I'm a female master brewer. I really hated it when people focused on things that weren't my work."
My friends who studied together at the same research institute supported me through these complex feelings.
Even if you are a man, due to the trends of the times,
There were people who were worried, ``Should I take over this brewery?'' and ``I need to revive my parents' brewery.'' In the end,Regardless of gender, people with the common theme of "continuing the brewery" were able to share their thoughts.He says that this experience helped him get to where he is today.
At the time of the interview (2022), he was brewing sake while raising his 8-year-old daughter.
As a mother, Yuko honestly told me that since the storehouse is both her workplace and home, she sometimes makes her daughter feel lonely, wondering, ``Why can't I play with her when she's close by?''
Still, sake brewing started ``somehow''. Now, It has now become something that I can continue to work on, ``working hard, having fun, and feeling rewarded.''
Although I was unsure about the storehouse that I didn't want to inherit,Yuko has inherited her skills through her own words and skills.
The process itself may be what gives Moon Ring Sake a subtle depth.
Moon ring specialty! “Rice and koji” gelato
"I like Japanese sake, but I don't really drink it..."
There is something for everyone to enjoy!
It is popular at the brewery direct sales store."Gelato"！
Originally, this gelato was not created to be sold as alcohol.
Just as amazake is called a "drinkable drip," we want to deliver the nutrition of rice koji to those who are unwell or bedridden.
It was with this in mind that the development of this product as a health food began.
In the end, the gelato was not adopted by medical institutions, etc., but when it was sold at the brewery's direct sales store, word of mouth spread, and now the number of customers visiting just for the gelato has increased.
There are 6 flavors in total.
The most popular item is sake lees, but there are also items made with pumpkin, strawberry, coffee, matcha, and raisins that have been carefully soaked in Tsuki no Wa shochu.
Not rum raisin,Kura no Shochu Raisin。
You can only taste the sweetness of koji that emanates from the depths of bitterness here.♪
The ingredients are rice, rice malt, and milk.
"I don't use alcohol at all."Therefore, it is safe for drivers and children to consume.
As a result, the number of customers who visit the brewery has expanded.
Some people even ask, ``Why do you sell alcohol at a gelato shop?'' without knowing that gelato originated in a sake brewery.
From a sweet and gentle spoonful, you first encounter ``Moon Ring Sake.''
The way she encounters alcohol is modern and smart, and I feel that this is Yuko's unique sense.
Disseminating the unique charm of Shiwa Town!
The power of Tsuki no Wa Sake Brewery is not limited to just inside the brewery.
In February 2022,Original label sake created in collaboration with V-tuber “Imasaka Hakuno”has been released.
Mr. Imazake loves alcohol so much that he calls himself a “sake-scum V-tuber.”
At the time, he was a popular streamer with 130,000 subscribers and over 40,000 Twitter followers.
*Imasake Hakuno X account(https://x.com/hakuno_imasaka)
The impetus for this was the search for a new customer base through an e-commerce site, as shipping volume declined due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It is said that they decided to collaborate with Imazake as a way to promote the sake of Shiwa-cho, the birthplace of Nanbu chief brewers, to the whole country.
President Takayuki Yokozawa
Looking back, he said, ``When collaborating with them, I learned about the V-Tubers and found it interesting that there are people who are active in various fields, and it's great that there are many different ways to learn about sake.''
``I felt the passion of Imazake's fans!''
As a result,Opportunity to spread the name and flavor of Shiwa Town to people who have had little connection to sakeIt has become.
In addition to this challenge, at the suggestion of a winery in Hiroshima, we are also undertaking a unique attempt to ``charge and age sake in red wine barrels.''
After being left in red wine barrels for about two months, the color becomes slightly reddish.
The aroma will also have wine-like nuances. It is said that the unique flavors of sake and wine blend together to create an unprecedented cup.
Another thing that Tsuki no Wa Sake Brewery is focusing on is:"Initiatives involving local Shiwa Town"It is.
In addition to teaming up with Iwate University's co-op to produce alcoholic beverages every year, students handle everything from planning to label design.
We are also participating in a project that accepts student interns on a rotating basis at four sake breweries in Shiwa Town.
Tsuki no Wa, which continues to evolve by freely incorporating next-generation ideas, has entrusted the accepted students with the task of ``developing products using sake lees.''
For example, try mixing sake lees with whipped cream, or sneaking sake lees into the bean paste of Mame Daifuku.
Where the only idea was that ``sake lees is something to pickle fish and meat,'' the free and unique ideas unique to the younger generation were added, and this open project blossomed.
That is,"Fruit sandwich made with sake lees fresh cream" is a specialty created by the restaurant "Fujiya Shokudo" in Hitsume, Shiwa Town.
``Fujiya Shokudo'' is actually an old-fashioned diner that has been popular for its Marbo Ramen.
Then we served a fruit sandwich with seasonal fruits such as melon and strawberries wrapped in homemade fresh cream mixed with Tsukinowa Sake Brewery's ginjo sake lees, which became a big hit!
Products such as "Melon Sandwich" and "Mimi's Whimsical Sandwich" made with four kinds of fruits are introduced every season, and are so popular that even almond tofu containing sake lees has been created.♪
NHK's "I love you"♡It has been frequently featured in local media, such as ``Tohoku'', TV Iwate ``Gokigen TV'', and IBC TV ``Jajaja TV''.
Sake lees gourmet food started from various ideas proposed by students and developed by local cafeterias.
The roots of the people involved in it are"I want to convey the charm of Shiwa Town to as many people as possible in a new way."That's the feeling.
This has spread well beyond the warehouse,Until the entire town promotes itself as "the town of sake lees"It has become.
Collaboration with these V-tubers, town revitalization with students, "I want to convey the charm of Shiwa Town to as many people as possible in a new way."
This underlying feeling is probably what leads to various initiatives.
[Tsuki no Wa Sake Brewery]
〒028-3303
101 Kosuiji, Mukahata, Shiwa-machi, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Prefecture
TEL:019-672-1133
MAIL:kura@tsukinowa-iwate.com
HP:https://www.tsukinowa-iwate.com/
Online shop:https://www.tsukinowa-iwate.com/wakasaya/
Introducing sake from Tsukinowa Sake Brewery♪
Junmai Ginjo Tsuki no Wa
``Junmai Ginjo Tsuki no Wa'' is called ``All Iwate'' in the brewery.
Because, All rice, yeast, and koji mold are produced in Iwate Prefecture.This is because it is prepared using
The yeast used is Iwate Prefecture's original ``Giovanni's Study'', named after the main character of the novel ``Night on the Galaxy Railway'' by Iwate-born Kenji Miyazawa.
The koji mold is called "Reimei Hiraizumi" and is also original to Iwate Prefecture.
In fact, after the Great East Japan Earthquake, amidst the momentum to ``let's all do our best to rebuild Iwate,'' Yeast and rice were already produced in Iwate Prefecture, so Aspergillus Aspergillus was extracted from Hiraizumi and developed.
Development from that difficult situation. I can't help but feel the tenacious core strength of the people of Tohoku.
Yuko says,
``The people of Iwate are rather modest in their personalities. Similarly, this koji mold has a modest aroma, but it actually produces a flavorful, mild, and punchy drink.''
He talked about how well it goes well with "Giovanni's Chore."
The soul of the people of Iwate Prefecture is modest but has a strong heart and passion.I feel Yuko's message.
Indeed, "Junmai Ginjo Tsuki no Wa". The aroma is mild, and when you put it in your mouth, a mellow sweetness spreads out, and a strong flavor comes out from within.
What dishes did President Yokozawa recommend for pairing?"Squid and scallop sashimi and tempura."
Overall, it seems that relatively bland foods such as white fish sashimi and fried tofu go well together.
This is because Iwate is a large prefecture with both coastal and inland areas.
Those who grew up inland are familiar with the combination of boiled white fish, while those from coastal areas are familiar with the combination of sashimi.
It goes well with both inland and coastal seafood dishes.
With just one sip, you'll feel like you're getting a taste of Iwate itself!
■Junmai Ginjo Tsuki no Wa Specs■
| raw materials | Rice (domestic)/Rice malt (domestic) |
|---|---|
| Rice used | Ginginga |
| yeast | Giovanni's research |
| Rice polishing ratio | 50% |
| Alcohol level | 16 degrees |
| Japanese sake level | +2.6 |
| acidity | 1.6 |
Moon Ring Summer Sake Delicious and Spicy Junmai Sake
"So do I...“In the summer, I just end up drinking beer.”For those of you who want to try it, we recommend Tsuki no Wa Natsake Umashiri Junmai Sake, which is refreshing and refreshing to drink,'' says Yuko.
Tsuki no Wa has several dry drinks, but all of them are said to be ``not very spicy.''
The water used in the preparation is soft, so the moment you put it in your mouth, it's soft.
The aftertaste that goes down your throat has a sharp spiciness, leaving you with a refreshing feeling.
The raw rice used is Iwate Prefecture's original variety "Ginotome", which is resistant to cold weather.
The rice is suitable for sake such as junmai-shu and special junmai-shu, and a special yeast is used to make it.
Also, this yeast is named ``Yuko Omoi,'' and there is a certain overlap between the name of the female developer and the name of the chief brewer Yuko herself, which gives me a sense of fate.
How to drink on the rocks with ice, or with water or highball, or with lime.It is also recommended.
President Yokozawa suggested dishes that would go well with Tsukinowa Summer Sake Umami Spicy Junmai Sake, such as ``yakitori simply prepared with salt, gyoza, and chilled tomatoes,'' which are easy to prepare on a daily basis. You can really enjoy it easily♪
Because of its dry and sharp taste, it goes well with all dishes with strong flavors.
This is a book that will easily fit into your dining table on a hot hot day.
■Moon Ring Summer Sake Delicious and Spicy Junmaishu Specs■
| raw materials | Rice (domestic)/Rice malt (domestic) |
|---|---|
| Rice used | Gin Otome and others |
| yeast | Yuuko's feelings |
| Rice polishing ratio | 65% |
| Alcohol level | 15 degrees |
| Japanese sake level | +4.6 |
| acidity | 1.6 |
Tsukinowa Sake Brewery Q&A
- What are the characteristics of Tsukinowa Shuzoten's sake?
- Tsukinowa Sake Brewery's sake is characterized by its mellow and sharp taste, using locally produced rice from Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture (Ginotome, Ginginga, Yui no Ka, etc.) and well water on the premises, which is underground water from the Kitakami River. The aim is to have a gentle aroma, strong flavor, and supple quality, making it easy to pair with a wide variety of dishes. We are also taking on new challenges, such as Junmai sake made with 100% glutinous rice.
- What kind of product is Tsukinowa Shuzoten's "Rice and Koji Gelato"?
- Tsukinowa Sake Brewery's ``Rice and Koji Gelato'' is a popular product that even people who don't drink alcohol can enjoy. It is made using rice, rice malt, and milk as raw materials, applying a sake brewing technique that uses the power of malt to saccharify without using sugar. It comes in six flavors, including sake lees, pumpkin, and strawberry, and since it does not contain any alcohol, it is safe for drivers and children to enjoy.
- What is the meaning of Tsukinowa Sake Brewery's philosophy of ``not as a company, but as a family business''?
- This philosophy embodies the strong determination of the generations of owners to continue passing on the taste of the brewery. By passing the taste from parent to child, rather than the mainstream method in the sake industry of passing down the taste from one chief brewer to the next, we aim to prevent changes in the taste of the brewery and protect sake brewing that is rooted in the region. Approximately 80 to 90% of the rice is locally produced, and the water used for brewing is underground water from the Kitakami River, demonstrating their sincerity to the land.
- What kind of area is Shiwa-cho, Iwate Prefecture, where Tsukinowa Sake Brewery is located?
- Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture, is located in the inland central part of Iwate Prefecture between Morioka and Hanamaki, and is known as the birthplace of Nanbu Toji, one of Japan's three major chief brewers. It is a ``sake town'' with many sake breweries and wineries, and with good transportation links, it is an area where you can fully immerse yourself in Iwate's sake culture.
Summary
Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture"Tsuki no Wa Sake Brewery"Since its founding in 1891,The philosophy of “family business, not a company”We are a sake brewery that respects the history and traditions of the region.
Current chief brewerMs. Yuko YokozawaIt is precisely because she left her hometown to take over the brewery that she rediscovered the value of the family business and the region.While overcoming the struggles of being a female brewer, she and her husband are currently pursuing their own unique style of sake brewing.
Pursuing a commitment to local ingredients,Rice and yeast from Iwate PrefectureWe are actively hiring
The quality of the sake, which makes the most of the bounty of the land, is characterized by its gentle aroma and solid flavor.
In addition to sake, we are also developing gelato made from rice koji, collaborating with VTubers, and developing products with local students.His attitude is not only to preserve tradition, but also to expand the scope of sake culture with flexible and advanced sensibilities.is supported by many people.
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
