The Masumi Sake Brewery, located in the picturesque town of Suwa in Nagano, has been a beacon of tradition and innovation in the world of sake for over 360 years. A respected name in the sake world, Masumi is admired across Japan and the globe for its satisfying taste and unshakeable reliability.

 

 

A Legacy Spanning Centuries

Founded in 1662, the Masumi Brewery boasts a rich and fascinating history. Originating from the Miyasaka family, who served as samurai to the lords of the Suwa area, the family transitioned from swords to sake making following years of strife during the Warring States period. The sake they brewed drew the praise of several historical figures, cementing Masumi's reputation from early on.

 

 

 

Overcoming Challenges to Reach the Top

Masumi's journey has not been without its trials. From the end of the Edo period to the Taisho period, the brewery faced significant hardships, even contemplating closure. However, it was the tenacity and vision of the young president, Masaru Miyasaka, and the master brewer, Chisato Kubota, that breathed new life into the brewery. Under their leadership, Masumi aimed to produce "the best damn sake in Japan," a goal that led them to win first place at the National Sake Competition in 1943.

 

 

 

An Important Discovery: Brewing Association Yeast Number Seven

One of Masumi's significant contributions to the sake world was the discovery of the Brewing Association Yeast Number Seven in 1946. This yeast, discovered by Masumi's master brewer in collaboration with Dr. Shoichi Yamada of the National Brewing Institute, soon became the most widely used sake yeast in the world, marking a key milestone in the brewery's history.

 

 

Expanding Horizons and Pushing Boundaries

In 1982, as the demand for high-quality sake grew, Masumi expanded its operations by building the Fujimi Brewery. This expansion was a testament to Masumi's commitment to meeting consumer demands without compromising on quality.

The turn of the millennium saw Masumi spreading its wings even further. Masumi's current president, Naotaka Miyasaka, led the brand's international outreach, starting with an exhibit at the 1999 Vinexpo wine show in Bordeaux, France. This marked the beginning of Masumi's global presence, eventually leading to the establishment of sales offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

 

 

 

 

Philosophy and Commitment to Quality

At its heart, Masumi's philosophy is about delivering the highest quality sake to every customer and promoting the culture and spirit of sake across the world. Whether it's their premium range of sakes like "Junmai Daiginjo Yumedono," "Junmai Daiginjo Nanago," and "Junmai Daiginjo Yamabana," or their seasonal offerings, each bottle of Masumi sake is a testament to their commitment to quality and their spirit of innovation.

 

In the ever-evolving world of sake, Masumi Sake Brewery stands out as a symbol of steadfast tradition, relentless innovation, and impeccable quality. Their centuries-old legacy and commitment to producing excellent sake make them a fascinating subject for any sake enthusiast.