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[ Shimizucho, Ishinomaki City ]

Hirakou Shuzou

Hirakou Shuzou

Signature Brands

Hitakami

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Made in Fishing Town Ishinomaki
Brewed by Local Brewers
Craft Saké Blessed by Nature

Ishinomaki is a port town established at the mouth of the Kyu-Kitakami River. It is here, home to one of the world's three largest fishing grounds, "Sanriku and Kinkazan-Oki," and where seasonal seafood is unloaded in abundance, that Hirakou Shuzou brewery is located. The brewery's signature brand “Hitakami” is brewed with the theme “If you’re having fish, you’re having Hitakami!” The soft, clear texture with a sharp aftertaste is the perfect match for seafood.
In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the affected saké was released as “Earthquake Reconstruction Saké—Light of Hope,” which attracted attention nationwide. The 5th generation president, Takahiro Hirai, explains the situation at the time as follows:
"The phone would not stop ringing and the response was much more than we imagined. We received support from all over the country. I felt proud that we were able to continue making saké and I wanted to give back by improving the quality of our saké even more."

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Collaboration with Ishinomaki Sushi
Reconstruction Support from Saké Breweries

During the two and a half years since the earthquake, Hirakou Shuzou renovated the koji room, yeast starter room and fermentation room to all stainless steel. The greater control of temperature and hygiene has created an environment where the brewery can further improve the quality of saké.
Also, with the retirement of the brewery's Nanbu Toji master brewer, who served for many years, the torch was passed to young saké brewers mostly in their 30s. The brewery welcomed two new local youth to join the brewing team. This decision reflects President Takahiro Hirai's desire to create "true local saké" made by local people incorporating the traditional techniques of the Nanbu Toji.
"I would like to collaborate with sushi in the future. By having local saké specifically made to match local sushi, it will increase the profile of both. In a way, couldn’t this be said to be a form of revitalization support the brewery can offer?”

Products
Recommended Products

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    Hitakami Junmai

    A sharp-tasting saké with a full umami taste. The aroma and flavors are not too strong.

    • Alcohol content：15.5% Alc./vol.
    • Rice-polishing ratio：60%
    • Rice type：Hitomebore（from Miyagi Prefecture)

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    Hitakami Ginjo

    A saké with a sharp, clear taste and a moderate ginjo aroma.

    • Alcohol content：15.5% Alc./vol.
    • Rice-polishing ratio：50%
    • Rice type：Yamadanishiki(from Hyogo Prefecture)

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    Hitakami Daiginjo

    A saké with an exceptional sharpness along with a dignified taste and aroma.

    • Alcohol content：15.5% Alc./vol.
    • Rice-polishing ratio：40%
    • Rice type：Yamadanishiki(from Yokawa, Hyogo Prefecture)

Information
Brewery Information

Exterior photo

Hirakou Shuzou

1 Chome-5-3 Shimizucho, Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan 986-0871

Inquiry:
: 0225-22-0161

In 1861, brewing started in Ishinomaki as a branch of Kikunotsukasa Brewery in Morikoka, Iwaki Prefecture. The name "Hitakami" is derived from the old name "Hitagami River,” which refers to the current Kitakami River. "Hidakami No Kuni," which received the blessing of the sun, was described in "Nippon Shoki" (the second-oldest book of classical Japanese history) as a "land spread out far and wide.” Some believe it refers to the Tohoku region.
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