Tomita Shuzo

Tomita Shuzo is a historic sake brewery located in Kinomoto, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, at the northern tip of Lake Biwa. Founded in 1534 during the early Tenmon period (1532–1555), it stands as one of Japan's oldest surviving breweries, with the current owner, Yasunobu Tomita, representing the 15th generation to run the business. The brewery is situated in a town that once flourished as a post town along the Hokkoku Highway. The main brewery building itself dates back to 1744, having been rebuilt after fires, and is now recognized as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

Tomita Shuzo is renowned for its traditional Japanese sake, primarily marketed under the brand name "Shichihonyari." Their approach to sake-making emphasizes local ingredients, utilizing purified spring water drawn from a well beneath Mount Ibuki and carefully selected sake rice harvested by local organic farmers. They work with prefectural rice varieties such as Wataribune and Tamasakae. The brewery is committed to traditional brewing methods passed down through generations, while also embracing innovation. In 2010, they began brewing sake with pesticide-free rice, and by October 2020, they introduced wooden vats to further their goal of "more natural sake brewing." They also produce sake with a vintage or aged sake.

What makes Tomita Shuzo distinctive is its nearly 500-year legacy and continuous family ownership. The "Shichihonyari" brand name itself is a reference to the "Seven Spears of Mt. Dodogatake," brave young warriors from the region. The brewery's commitment to locality is evident in its support for local organic rice growers and its use of regional water sources. They are known for producing sake that is dry, clean, and rich, designed to pair well with food rather than being overly flowery or fruity. Notable expressions include various Junmai and Junmaiginjou sakes, as well as a "Shichihonyari Low-Polished Junmai 80%" and a sparkling sake made using bottle fermentation. While once primarily known locally, their sake is now in demand in markets as far afield as North America and Europe.