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Hinomaru

Yokote, Akita Prefecture

Brewery Story

Hinomaru Jozo was founded in 1689 in Masuda, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, and has been producing sake for more than 330 years. Throughout its history, the brewery has remained deeply connected to the local climate, culture and traditions of Akita, preserving the art of sake brewing through generations.

During the Meiji and Taisho eras, the brewery flourished, earning a Gold Medal at the 1913 Japan-British Exhibition. Despite the hardships of the Second World War, production resumed in 1948, allowing the brewery's legacy to continue.

Today, Hinomaru Jozo honours its historic brewery buildings while embracing innovation, crafting sake that showcases Akita's exceptional rice, pure water and generations of brewing expertise. Built upon more than three centuries of tradition, the brewery continues to introduce the appeal of Japanese sake to new generations.

Brewing Philosophy and Production

Hinomaru Jozo is dedicated to creating sake that delivers both quality and enjoyment. Guided by traditional craftsmanship, the brewery works with a diverse selection of sake rice varieties and carefully chosen yeasts to explore new expressions.

Every stage of production, from rice washing and koji making to fermentation and pressing, is carried out with meticulous attention to detail. Particular emphasis is placed on ginjo brewing techniques and cold maturation, allowing the sake to develop greater elegance, balance and depth while preserving its delicate aromas.

Through the combination of time-honoured methods and modern brewing technology, Hinomaru Jozo continually strives to raise the quality of every bottle.

Style and Signature Expressions

Inspired by Akita’s rich natural environment, Hinomaru Jozo combines traditional craftsmanship with a spirit of continual innovation.

The brewery’s signature brand, Mansaku no Hana, takes its name from the Japanese witchhazel, a flower that blooms in the cold early spring. This reflects the brewery’s connection to Akita’s nature and its philosophy of creating sake with distinctive character and refinement.

The name Hinomaru, meaning “the circle of the sun” and symbolising Japan, expresses the brewery’s pride in Japanese sake and its desire to share its craftsmanship with the world. With over 330 years of history, Hinomaru Jozo continues to evolve while preserving the spirit and traditions at the heart of its brewing.

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