Sake is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable Japanese products in the world. For Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd., the country’s national drink isn’t just the cornerstone of
its global beverages business, it’s a labor of love. For 280 years, the firm’s skilled artisans have been hand-washing rice and gently crafting ingredients into multi-award-winning products that have played a key role in the industry at home and abroad.
Based in the region of Nadagogo–the traditional home of sake dating as far back as 1330–the company has a proud history, but is also diversifying for the future. Its product range today stretches from different styles and flavors of sake, including its
best-selling brand ‘Maru’, to drinks such as plum wine and gin. The Hakutsuru brand has been successful in producing quality sake by adhering to the “Made in Japan” philosophy of achieving the highest quality standards.
The company also has a subsidiary production facility in the United States, which in keeping with this spirit, utilizes the best local technology and materials to make sake for overseas markets. Kenji Kano, president and representative director of Hakutsuru, champions both his products and the sector. “While the global appreciation for Japanese culinary traditions is at an all-time high, in Japan, the choice of food and alcoholic beverages is expanding,” said Kano. “It is my hope that people will go back to basics and reaffirm that Japanese food and sake are the best combination,” he said.
