Celebrating 200 Years of Brewing Excellence
Nakazawa Brewery – Est. 1825
Nakazawa Brewery, the producer of Matsumidori, marks its 200th anniversary in 2025.
Founded in 1825 (Bunsei 8), brewing began under the name “Matsumidori” by order of the feudal lord of Odawara Castle. At the end of the Edo period, government restrictions on sake production were lifted due to falling rice prices, allowing breweries to produce freely. It was during this time that many sake breweries were established throughout Japan — and Matsumidori was one of them.
Over the past two centuries, brewing technology has evolved dramatically. Yet while there were once approximately 27,000 sake breweries across Japan, today only about 1,600 remain. Some traditions and techniques may have been lost along the way.
What has never changed, however, is the terroir.
For 200 years, Nakazawa Brewery has remained in Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture — shaped by the sea breeze from Sagami Bay, the winds descending from Mt. Fuji, the pure underground water flowing from the Tanzawa mountain range, and the fertile soil of the region. This natural environment continues to define the character of Matsumidori.
Nakazawa Brewery has been able to continue brewing for two centuries thanks to the unwavering support of local customers who have enjoyed their sake for generations, as well as new supporters across Japan who have discovered Matsumidori more recently. Even the finest sake has meaning only when it is shared and enjoyed.
With deep gratitude for 200 years of patronage, Nakazawa Brewery looks ahead to the next century — and the next. They remain committed to brewing sake in Matsuda Town for future generations, so that today’s supporters — and their children and grandchildren — may continue to enjoy Matsumidori for years to come.
