Kenbishi Sake Brewery, established in 1505, stands as one of Japan’s oldest sake producer, renowned for its unwavering commitment to traditional brewing methods. Recently, the brewery has taken significant steps to preserve the authentic flavours of sake and the rich culture surrounding it by initiating in-house production of traditional wooden barrels. This move aligns with the preservation of traditional sake brewing, which UNESCO has recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Historically, Kenbishi’s sake barrels, emblazoned with the brewery’s iconic logo—a design symbolising a sword and a diamond—have been integral to Japanese culture. These barrels have been featured in Edo-period ukiyo-e artworks by artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige. Traditionally crafted using natural materials like straw, these barrels express gratitude to the land and deities. However, in 2016, the supplier of straw ropes ceased production due to equipment failure, leading Kenbishi to temporarily use vinyl substitutes. Anticipating future challenges in sourcing authentic materials, the brewery decided to commence in-house barrel production to preserve the cultural significance of their sake barrels.
In 2023, amid the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on events and related industries, Kenbishi inherited the barrel-making business from a local cooperage in Hyogo Prefecture, integrating three skilled artisans into their team. By 2024, these artisans joined forces with Kenbishi’s existing craftsmen from the 2009 Wooden Barrel Project, forming a dedicated team to produce sake barrels. Their efforts ensure a steady supply of traditional barrels for Kenbishi and other breweries nationwide, reinforcing the brewery’s commitment to preserving the heritage of sake brewing.
Kenbishi’s dedication extends beyond production. In October 2024, at the “Nadagogo: The Sacred Place of Sake Brewing” event in Paris, organised by the Nadagogo Sake Brewers Association and the Hyogo Prefecture Sake Brewers Association, Kenbishi’s craftsmen demonstrated the making of traditional warming barrels and barrel wrapping. These performances highlighted the cultural importance of sake brewing tools, resonating with UNESCO’s mission to protect endangered cultural practices.
On 5th December 2024, UNESCO officially inscribed “Traditional Sake Brewing” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognising its deep-rooted significance in Japanese social and cultural events and its role in fostering community cohesion. Kenbishi Sake Brewery remains steadfast in promoting its time-honoured flavours worldwide, upholding traditional brewing methods, and preserving the essential wooden tools and barrels integral to sake production.
For those interested in authentic Japanese sake and the cultural heritage it embodies, Kenbishi Sake Brewery offers a profound glimpse into the traditions that have shaped this iconic beverage.
Visiting Kenbishi Sake Brewery
While Kenbishi Sake Brewery itself is not open to the public for tours, visitors can experience the region, where Kenbishi is located. The Nada-Gogō region, renowned as the world’s sake capital, is home to 26 sake breweries. A notable destination is the Nadagogo Sakedokoro, a sake restaurant owned by Kenbishi Sake Brewery with a history spanning over 500 years. This establishment serves sake from all 26 breweries in Nada-Gogo and offers food based on the themes of seasonality, locality, compatibility, and fermentation, showcasing the best of Kobe’s local produce.
Exploring the Nada-Gogo sake area provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich traditions of Japanese sake brewing and to savour the diverse offerings of the region.
Images : PR Times.
