Craft & Estate Portfolio Book

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

92 SAKE