About

About Mitsutake Sake Brewery
Crafting authentic sake since 1688 in Saga, Japan.

Ryuichi Yoshida, Toji (chief brewer) at Mitsutake Sake Brewery in Saga, Japan

Our Chief Brewer

Ryuichi Yoshida – Toji (Master Brewer)

Ryuichi Yoshida is the toji, or chief brewer, at Mitsutake Brewery.
With years of dedication to sake brewing, he oversees every stage of the process, from rice preparation to fermentation, ensuring that each bottle reflects Mitsutake’s heritage and craftsmanship.

His philosophy is simple: to create sake that not only represents Saga’s natural blessings but also resonates with people around the world.

Brewer stirring moromi mash during sake fermentation at Mitsutake Brewery

Our Heritage – Since 1688

Founded in 1688 in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, Mitsutake Brewery has continued the art of sake brewing for more than 330 years. Situated in a historic town surrounded by fertile rice fields and pure water sources, our brewery has thrived as part of the local community.

Throughout the Edo, Meiji, and Showa periods, Mitsutake preserved traditional brewing techniques while embracing innovation to meet the needs of each era. Today, we continue to handcraft sake, shochu, and gin with the same dedication to quality that has guided us for generations.

Mitsutake’s philosophy is simple: to brew authentic sake that conveys the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship to the world.

Philosophy & Craftsmanship

Traditional wooden sake brewing tool used at Mitsutake Brewery in Saga, Japan

Tradition

For more than three centuries, Mitsutake Brewery has preserved the authentic techniques of Japanese sake brewing. From wooden tools carefully maintained through generations to brewing practices rooted in the Edo period, every element reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship. Our philosophy is to carry forward the wisdom of our ancestors while adapting to the needs of modern sake lovers around the world.

Brewery worker sampling sake during quality inspection at Mitsutake Brewery

Quality

Every bottle of Mitsutake sake is the result of uncompromising attention to detail. From using carefully selected local rice and pure water of Saga, to monitoring every step of fermentation, our brewers ensure that quality is never compromised. Regular tasting and inspections guarantee that only sake of the highest standard reaches our customers around the world.

Mitsutake Syutsu Gin – Japanese craft gin with anime collaboration design

Innovation

While Mitsutake Brewery treasures over 300 years of sake brewing heritage, we also embrace innovation. From creating craft gin and shochu to launching bold collaborations with popular Japanese culture, Mitsutake continues to expand the appeal of Japanese spirits to new generations worldwide.
Our approach is not only about preserving tradition, but also about reimagining it for the future.

Global Presence

Mitsutake Brewery is not only a local icon in Saga, Japan, but also a trusted exporter of Japanese sake, shochu, and gin to international markets. Today, our products are enjoyed in Asia, Europe, and North America, with recognition from international competitions further strengthening our global reputation.

Through partnerships with importers and distributors, we aim to deliver authentic Japanese craftsmanship to restaurants, retailers, and consumers worldwide. Mitsutake continues to expand its network of international partners, ensuring that our tradition reaches new audiences across the globe.

United States, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, United Kingdom, France.

Awards & Recognition

Our sake, shochu, and gin have been recognized at respected competitions in Japan and abroad. Here are selected highlights.

Award-winning sake and shochu by Mitsutake Brewery with international medals and certificates

Multiple International Awards

Selected medals and trophies earned by Mitsutake across international competitions.
Years: 2021–2025
Highlights: Gold & Silver in sake and spirits categories.

Kinpa sake awarded Gold Medal at KAN Sake Award 2022

Kinpa – Gold Medal

Award: KAN Sake Award
Year: 2022
Notes: Recognized for
balance and clean finish.

Makai Shochu awarded Gold Medal at Monde Selection 2025

Makai Shochu – Gold Medal

Award: Monde Selection
Year: 2025
Notes: Deep umami profile
with excellent overall harmony.

Mitsutake Aka Torii Gin with international award recognition

Aka Torii – Internationally Acclaimed

Award: International Spirits Competitions
Year: 2023–2024
Notes: Craft gin with refined botanical balance.