Hello everyone, I’m Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Monday, October 27, I had the pleasure of welcoming guests from Kumamoto Prefecture at the “Historic Sake Brewery Tasting × Miss SAKE” event held at Fukumitsuya in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture.
About Fukumitsuya
Founded in 1625, Fukumitsuya is a long-established sake brewery with nearly 400 years of history, representing Ishikawa Prefecture. Building on centuries of experience and wisdom, the brewery continues to create sake with a focus on the harmony of “rice, water, and people.” The sake rice used is carefully sourced from contract farms across Japan, and Fukumitsuya works closely with farmers from the very beginning of cultivation. The brewing water, known as the “Blessed Hundred-Year Water,” comes from snowmelt that falls on the Hakusan Mountains and filters through the ground over a hundred years before emerging from 150 meters underground. This pure, soft water gives Fukumitsuya’s sake its clear flavor and elegant character. All of their products are crafted exclusively as junmai (pure rice) sake, creating a taste that is both rich and light—a reflection of the brewery’s dedication to drawing out the natural essence of their ingredients. Through a diverse lineup of series such as the flagship Kagatobi, as well as Fukumasamune, Kaze yo Mizu yo Hito yo, and Suppin, Fukumitsuya offers a range of sake from casual daily drinks to special celebratory bottles. Carrying forward a spirit of tradition and innovation, Fukumitsuya continues to share the possibilities of Japanese sake from Kanazawa to the world.
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Experiencing the Depth of Sake at the Brewery
We began by guiding our guests to the spot where the “Blessed Hundred-Year Water” springs just outside the store. This water, sourced from snow and rain that fell on Hakusan over a hundred years ago, flows deep underground before emerging 150 meters below. It is truly the “lifeblood” that supports Fukumitsuya’s sake brewing. Although it is slightly hard water rich in minerals, it has a soft, gentle taste. Guests had the chance to experience this exceptional water firsthand, and many even went back for a second taste, enjoying its delicate character despite the brief visit.
Next, we moved to the event space, where I led a sake lecture as Miss SAKE. After introducing the Miss SAKE activities, I provided a detailed explanation of the sake brewing process and how temperature changes affect its flavor. I also discussed the importance of Yawaragi-mizu, another name for a chaser which originated in Ishikawa Prefecture, and engaged with guests in an interactive and informative session that was both relaxed and enjoyable.
Following the lecture, guests watched a video introducing Fukumitsuya’s sake brewing and then had the opportunity to taste three representative sake selections from the brewery:
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Kuramoto Limited Junmai Daiginjo Kanazawa
Made exclusively with the finest “Yamada Nishiki” rice from contract farms, this junmai daiginjo is carefully brewed using traditional techniques. Its limited-edition design is inspired by the local Kaga Hachiman Okiagari doll, symbolizing resilience and perseverance.Kagatobi Junmai Ginjo
Brewed with traditional ginjo methods, this junmai ginjo offers a rich, floral aroma and a transparent taste that highlights the generous umami of the rice.Kuro-obi Yuuyu Special Junmai
A dry sake combining ginjo and junmai brewing methods for a clean yet rich flavor, slowly matured in the brewery for a relaxed, mellow profile. Kuro-obi is the original line of the brewery, a standard favorite since its release in 1976, honed by culinary professionals in Kanazawa. Despite its dry character, it is smooth on the palate and develops even more depth when served warm.
From Tasting to Daily Life
Finally, guests enjoyed some shopping time at the brewery’s shop. In addition to the sake they had tasted, many purchased fruity junmai daiginjo and aged sake with over 30 years of depth. Fukumitsuya also offers skincare products made from organic rice and sake lees, which some guests explored, selecting items for themselves or as gifts for their families. By the end of the visit, the shop was bustling, with a line at the register lasting.
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Through this “Historic Sake Brewery Tasting × Miss SAKE” event at Fukumitsuya, I was truly honored to help convey the depth of Japanese sake, the passion of its brewers, and the rich flavors nurtured by the land of Kanazawa. Interacting with our guests reminded me once again that sake connects people, regions, and culture.
As Miss SAKE, I will continue to walk alongside breweries and producers across Japan, sharing the charm of Japanese sake and the natural and cultural heritage that supports it, both domestically and internationally.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
