Kobayashi family acquires historic sake license and begins brewing Kanuma Musume
Mae-Nikkō Brewery is located in the mountains of Kanuma City near the Nikko range, an area known for its pure water and natural beauty. Operated by Kobayashi Brewing Co., Ltd., it continues the legacy of the historic Ikejima Brewery (est. 1907) and now produces sake from a converted former elementary school. Led by Ichizo Kobayashi, a graduate of Tokyo University of Agriculture, the brewery combines carefully selected rice with water flowing from the Nikko mountains. Together, these elements shape sake with a strong sense of place, season and modernity.
Maenikko Brewery is located in rural Kanuma City, near the Nikko mountains. Housed inside a converted former elementary school, the brewery brings Japanese brewing craft to a contemporary audience. Maenikko means “in front of Nikko”, linking the brewery’s name to the same landscape that shapes its water.
Interested in bringing Maenikko to your list or shelf? We offer trade pricing, tasting kits, and brand support.
Maenikko selects rice according to the character of each harvest, working with varieties including Yamada Nishiki, Ise Hikari and Gohyakumangoku. The choice can change from year to year, allowing the brewery to work with the material best suited to each expression.
Inspired by traditional sake brewing, SUISUI Sparkling undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle, creating fine, persistent bubbles with a delicate texture reminiscent of champagne. Produced in an active nigori style with live yeast and lees, it offers a distinctly Japanese interpretation of sparkling sake.
SuiSui Sparkling was awarded a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge 2026, one of the world’s most respected wine and sake competitions. Praised for its fine bubbles, clean finish and elegant fruit character, the sake reflects Maenikko’s commitment to craftsmanship, balance and contemporary Japanese brewing.
Maenikko Brewery
Kobayashi Brewing Co., Ltd.
393-1 Kamikasuo, Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture 322-0423, Japan
Former Kamikasuo Elementary School
+81 289 62 3072
info@bymaenikko.com
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