Fukurokuju Shuzo

代表銘柄

Ippakusuisei

酒蔵について

Founded in 1688 (the first year of the Genroku era of the Edo period), the first generation Watanabe Hikoemon began brewing sake in Gojome Town, Akita Prefecture. The Watanabe family originally hailed from Matsuto, Ishikawa Prefecture, and moved to this area following the Ikkō uprising, establishing their sake brewing business. Initially focused on doburoku (unrefined sake), the brewery evolved into full-scale sake brewing in the late Edo period and has continued this tradition for over 300 years. Gojome Town, Akita Prefecture, is located east of the Oga Peninsula (famous for the Namahage ritual) and Lake Hachirogata, with many industries utilizing Akita cedar. The local specialty dish, "Damako Nabe" made with new rice, is exquisite, featuring damako (rice pounded into dumplings) infused with local chicken broth. A morning market, continuing for 500 years, is held in front of the brewery. It evolved from a place where mountain delicacies like spring wild vegetables and Akita mushrooms were exchanged for seafood. The brewery stands facing this morning market street. Fukurokuju Brewery's sake brewing centers on the theme of "local rice, local water, local people," cherishing the culture of Goshogame Town, Akita Prefecture. They use high-quality groundwater, such as the underground water from Moriyama in Goshogame Town, for brewing water. The rice used as raw material is contract-grown with farmers belonging to the local "Goshogame Town Sake Rice Research Association." They are dedicated to sake brewing that harnesses the power of the region's nature and people, aiming to create local sake that embodies the local terroir. In 2017, they also established an agricultural corporation, working with contracted farmers to develop initiatives that look toward the future of agriculture. The brewers spare no effort or time in meticulous preparation. While cherishing their long history and local culture, they continue to challenge themselves with innovative brewing methods even today.