Nabeshima Tokubetsu Junmai Yokawa 720 ML

Fukuchiyo Shuzo (often searched or written as Fujiyo Shuzo) is a highly acclaimed, cult-status sake brewery located in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 1924, it is best known for its flagship brand, Nabeshima  which has taken the sake world by storm over the last couple of decades.  

Here is a breakdown of what makes this brewery and its sake so special:

The Mastermind & Philosophy

The brewery is led by Naoki Iimori, who serves as both the Kuramoto (brewery owner) and the Toji (master brewer). His driving philosophy is to create a "natural body" sake—brews that are not defined by being overly dry or heavily aromatic, but rather gently stimulate all five senses with a vibrant, fresh, and juicy presence.   

To achieve this, Iimori-san implements meticulous, low-temperature fermentation over an extended period. Many of their pasteurized sakes are famously vibrant, retaining a slight, refreshing effervescence (spritzy or tingly feel) that mimics the qualities of an unpasteurized namazake.   

The Rise to Global Fame

While Nabeshima was originally a local favorite, it achieved legendary status in 2011 when its Daiginjo won the prestigious "Champion Sake" award at the International Wine Challenge (IWC)—the highest honor in the world's largest sake competition. Since then, Nabeshima has become a highly sought-after brand among connoisseurs, often commanding a premium and selling out quickly.  

Key Flavor Profile & Characteristics

The "Nabeshima Style": Their sakes are generally celebrated for an opulent, fruity aroma profile (often featuring notes of melon, strawberry, peach, and tropical fruits) paired with a perfectly balanced umami richness and clean acidity,

Diverse Rice Profiles: Fukuchiyo Shuzo is famous for experimenting with and mastering rare or premium rice varietals. Aside from classic Yamada Nishiki, they brew exceptional sakes using heirloom or specialized grains like Aiyama, Akaiwa Omachi, and Tankan Wataribune.   

Luxury Sake Tourism

Fukuchiyo Shuzo has also innovated in how people experience sake. They opened Onyado Fukuchiyo, a stunning Sake Brewery Auberge (an inn and restaurant run directly by the brewery). It allows visitors to experience high-end Japanese gastronomy intricately paired with Nabeshima sakes right on the historic streets of Kashima.