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Maruishi Jozo

Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture

Brewery Story

Founded in 1690 in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Maruishi Jozo has been crafting sake for more than 330 years. Throughout its history, the brewery has remained committed to preserving traditional brewing methods while continually evolving to meet the tastes of modern drinkers.

Today, alongside its historic brands, Maruishi is best known internationally for Nito, a range inspired by the Japanese proverb:

"Nitou wo Ou Mono wa Itto mo Ezu" (二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず)
"He who chases two hares catches neither."

Rather than accepting the proverb's warning, Maruishi Jozo has turned it on its head. The brewery believes that with skill, patience and balance, it is possible to pursue two seemingly opposing qualities at once, creating sake that harmonises elegance with richness, tradition with innovation, and complexity with effortless drinkability.

Brewing Philosophy and Production

Maruishi Jozo's philosophy is built around the pursuit of perfect balance.

Every decision, from rice selection and polishing to fermentation and maturation, is made to create harmony rather than allowing any one element to dominate. Premium rice and the pure waters of Okazaki provide the foundation, while careful temperature control and meticulous brewing techniques preserve clarity, aroma and texture throughout the process.

The brewery embraces both centuries-old craftsmanship and modern brewing knowledge, believing that the finest sake is achieved when opposing characteristics exist in equilibrium. Richness should never overpower freshness, fragrance should complement flavour, and complexity should always remain elegant.

Style and Signature Expressions

Nito is an expression of harmony.

Each sake is crafted to balance contrasting qualities, combining fragrant aromatics with depth of flavour, softness with structure, sweetness with acidity, and immediate appeal with the ability to reveal greater complexity over time.

Rather than producing sake that fits a single style, Maruishi Jozo seeks to create bottles that feel complete, where every component works together in balance. The result is sake that is approachable yet sophisticated, equally suited to thoughtful tasting or enjoying alongside food.

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