Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten Co., Ltd

Brewery of “Zaku”

Founded in 1869, the Suzuka area, blessed with the clear subterranean water from the Suzuka Mountain Range and high-quality rice from the Ise Plain, has long been a prosperous brewing region. However, many breweries have been forced out of business, and now Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten is the only remaining sake brewery in Suzuka.

Led by master brewer Tomohiro Uchiyama, a team of young brewers engages in small-scale, meticulous sake production. The name “Zaku” embodies the idea that sake is created not only by the brewers but by everyone involved until it reaches the customer’s mouth.

They aim to produce sake with a “floral” quality that smoothly harmonizes with the diverse cuisine of modern times. Their sake has won numerous awards in both domestic and international contests. In 2016, it was selected as the celebratory sake at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit. Former Japanese national soccer team player Hidetoshi Nakata also fell in love with their sake and visited the brewery.

About Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten Co., Ltd

Brewery Name	Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten Co., Ltd
Location	Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Flagship Brands	Zaku
Origin of the Brand Name	The name “Zaku” was chosen to convey the idea that sake brewing does not end with bottling at the brewery but continues to be “created” by the retailers, restaurants, and drinkers who handle it. It is also popular among Gundam fans.
Major Awards	In 2009, “Megumi no Tomo” was selected as the in-flight sake for JAL international business class. In 2009, “Daiginjo” won a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge. In 2012, “Gennotomo” placed second in the Junmai category at the SAKE COMPETITION. In 2013, “Gennotomo” won a gold medal at the U.S. National Sake Appraisal. In 2013, a record four different sake varieties from the brewery placed in the top ten across three categories at the SAKE COMPETITION. In 2014, the local brand “Suzukagawa” won a gold medal at the Sake Competition for Delicious Sake in a Wine Glass. In 2016, “Tomo” was selected as the celebratory sake for the meal of world leaders at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit.
Commitment	The history of sake in Suzuka is ancient, dating back to mythological times. The “Yamato-hime no Mikoto Seiki” (768), which describes Yamato-hime no Mikoto’s journey to establish the site of Ise Jingu as commanded by Amaterasu, mentions “Umasake Suzuka no Kuni,” indicating that the sake from Suzuka was widely recognized as delicious by people of that time. Today, a young master brewer born and raised in Suzuka continues to brew “Umasake” with dedication and passion, honoring this historical legacy.