IMAYO TSUKASA

History of Imayo Tsukasa

Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery from Niigata City has a long history stretches back to the late Edo era. It was initially known as a Sake/Clothing retailer as well as a restaurant. Imayo Tsukasa transformed its business into a fully dedicated sake brewery starting in the mid-Meiji era (1868-1912).

As the heartland of Japan, Niigata was booming with population and industry at a high level. Niigata used to be more populated than Edo (now known as Tokyo) during this period of time.

This city was one of the first 5 cities that opened up for exporting/importing commodities to/from overseas. There were many different kinds of products and goods from abroad being sold in the market. Niigata was also blessed with the fertile soil and clean Agano water, leading this place to become a hub for Japanese fermented products like Sake, Miso and Soy Sauce.

Niigata is currently known as having the most Sake breweries in any one prefecture in Japan. The combination of rich soil and pure water made this place suitable for producing Sake since ancient times.

from now on

Imayo Tsukasa is known as one of the few breweries to use the original way of producing alcohol using cedar and bamboo tanks. Among all the breweries, Imayo Tsukasa is definitely at the top list for premium Sake, with a wide variety of different tastes and types made with the combination of traditional and modern techniques.

However, the journey to gain this reputation was not easy. The reputation of Japanese Sake suffered in the days when other breweries began to add excessive amounts of water to increase production and thus increase their profits. Not only the breweries but the Sake retailers also added water into Sake before selling to consumers.

This fraudulent practice was carried out by many breweries and stores, earning the nickname of “goldfish sake”. This nickname was given because the Sake was so diluted with water that a goldfish could swim in it. While this diluting Sake becoming the common practice, the 250-year old sake brewery Imayo Tsukasa stood alone and maintained the traditional brewery method.

Tradition And Beyond

Instead of “goldfish sake”, they made a Daiginjo Sake called “KOI” (Nishiki Koi) that was inspired by the classic sake–making process. “KOI” is a fish that has unique designs & colours which is a classic symbol of Japan & Niigata.

Imayo Tsukasa promised consumers the best quality Sake to enjoy by not participating in the fraudulent practice and ensuring the Sake retailers to not dilute the Sake. With the dedication to only producing the best quality Sake, Imayo Tsukasa has won its current plausible reputation.