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SAKE
Minato Harbor (Naba Shoten)
BREWERY OVERVIEW
One of the largest ports of northern Japan, Tsuchizaki Harbor in Akita City is home to
Naba Shoten. Naba Shoten has been a local favorite since it was started in 1815. In honor
of the fishermen and other inhabitants of the port who have been the brewery’s most loyal
customers, it produces sakes that pair extremely well with the grilled and fried seafood
commonly eaten in the area.
Furthermore, the Naba Shoten brewery is one of only a few in all of Japan to still practice
the ancient dekasegi system, in which brewery workers leave their homes and families in the
countryside and move into the brewery for the duration of the brewing season. The constant
presence of such skilled and dedicated workers ensures continual monitoring of brewing
conditions, leading to wonderfully smooth and balanced sakes.
LOCATION OF BREWERY
Located in Akita City, every bottle of Naba Shoten sake is brewed exclusively with locally
grown rice, a special brand of yeast, and waters from nearby Omono River to produce sake
that captures the authentic characteristics of Akita. In appreciation of the local fishermen who
have long loved their sakes, the brewers decided to use the name Minato, or “harbor.”
BREWING PHILOSOPHY
Its rich history and loyal fan base have allowed the brewery to specialize in premium sakes.
The brewery utilizes the Yamahai brewing method, a traditional method that they helped to
revive. Although more time and labor intensive, it results in the higher acidity for which Naba
Shoten sakes are known.
Owned by
:
Munehisa Naba
Master Brewer
:
Katsuhiro Fujita
Founded in
:
1815
Region
:
Akita
Country
:
Japan
Wine
:
Naba Shoten, Minato “Harbor” Tsuchizaki Yamahai Nama Genshu