HONDA SHOTEN

Since the Genroku period (1688–1704), the Honda ancestry has been devoted to sake making, serving as general directors of the Banshu sake masters. In 1921, the Hondas established their own sake brewery, Tatsuriki, in Aboshi, Hyogo Prefecture—an area renowned for Yamada Nishiki, also known as “the king of sake rice.” This region perfectly reflects the Hondas’ belief that “great rice makes great sake.” Tatsuriki Brewery uses only Yamada Nishiki rice from the “Special A,” the highest-ranked rice-growing district.

Finest Local Rice

To truly understand rice, they explore various factors such as the environment, cultivation methods, fertilizers, drying techniques, and soil quality. They believe that this comprehensive investigation will bring them closer to crafting exceptional sake. Honda Shoten, the founder of Tatsuriki Brewery, is based in Hyogo Prefecture, which is why the brewery uses the finest local rice. For over 40 years, they have been using Yamada Nishiki from Hyogo Prefecture's Special A Area, a renowned specialty of the region. The popularity of Yamada Nishiki surged nationwide during the local sake and Ginjo sake booms, and it is believed that their efforts contributed significantly to its widespread recognition. As a brewery situated in the heart of Yamada Nishiki's home, they remain dedicated to its cultivation and preservation.