Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Asahi Shuzo
Asahi Shuzo (朝日酒造), founded in 1830, is located in Asahi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. The brewery was originally established under the name Kubotaya (久保田屋). Situated along the banks of the Shibumi River (渋海川), a tributary of the Shinano River, it benefits from the area's lush natural environment, with rice fields and rolling hills surrounding the brewery.
Asahi Shuzo is renowned for its focus on Niigata-grown sake. They use soft underground water, sourced locally, and work closely with local farmers to cultivate premium sake rice. Their brewing techniques have been passed down from the skilled Koshiji Toji (越路杜氏), blending traditional wisdom with modern innovations. One of their flagship brands, Asahiyama (朝日山), introduced in the Meiji era, is named after the brewery's location, with the addition of “mountain” to evoke a sense of place and Japanese sake culture. It is known for its crisp, dry taste and clean finish.
Asahi Shuzo's philosophy emphasizes the production of safe, high-quality sake, with a commitment to enhancing its social value through its products. The brewery also aims to spread Japan’s food culture globally, continually exploring new ways to offer delightful sake experiences to enrich people's lives.