Hiroto Nishioka, owner of “momofarm” in Hanazono, Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, is the 16th generation of a family of rice farmers.
At Tokyo University of Agriculture, he researched the productivity, yield, and quality of rice grown without fertilizer or pesticides. When he first enrolled, he aspired to add value through organic farming due to falling rice prices,
but after taking up scuba diving during his university days, he began to think about approaching environmental issues like global warming and pollution from an agricultural perspective, and his interest in
“environmentally friendly cultivation” rather than “increasing unit prices” deepened.
Currently, using the knowledge he gained from his research, he grows non-glutinous rice and sake rice without fertilizer or pesticides on approximately 2 hectares, and in one of the rice paddies he also runs a food education program for parents and children through rice farming experiences and wildlife observation.
With a total cultivation area of 22 hectares, he primarily grows rice, but also wheat and soybeans.
Maenikko Brewery is operated by Kobayashi Jozō, a family-run brewery based in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture. Our name, “Maenikko,” refers to the Mae-Nikkō region—where mountain forests, spiritual traditions, and agricultural pride converge.
Led by head brewer Ichizō Kobayashi, we brew every drop in-house, with a commitment to small batches, quality control, and sustainable local sourcing.
Ikejima Shuzo was established in 1907 in Tochigi Prefecture.Upholding the family motto of the first generation Ikejima Sennojo that “the master himself should enter the brewery”, the 4th generation president and the chief brewer had been proudly bringing you handmade sake until health conditions made continuing difficult. To carry on the spirit of Ikejima Shuzo, we relocated and reopened the sake brewery in Kanuma City.
We renovated Kamikasuo Elementary School, which was closed in 2015, and reopened the school as a sake brewery. Taking advantage of the high-quality water and natural environment, the property serves as a tourism resource offering brewery tours and hands-on experiences. We strive to produce local sake that will become a symbol of Kanuma City and to create jobs in the mountainous region.
Kanuma City had been entertaining visitors with its many sake breweries until local sake disappeared in 1987. So we decided to make local sake using locally-grown organic Ise Hikari and Yamada Nishiki rice with the cooperation of Mr. Yutaka Tajima. We started brewing local sake from the autumn 2024 harvest and revived local Kanuma sake, which we hope will become a regional icon.
Launched "Sui Sui" in Europe, marking Maenikko as the first sake export brand from Kanuma and expanding our global presence.
Our Junmai Ginjo earned a prestigious Silver Medal at the 2018 International Wine Challenge, one of the world’s leading sake competitions.
Partnered with Tobu Railway to develop special edition sake for Spacia X trains and the Nikkō World Heritage 25th Anniversary.
Recognised by local authorities as a symbol of regional pride and quality craftsmanship through our flagship "Kanuma Musume" label.
All Maenikko sakes are brewed in the Junmai tradition; using only rice, water, yeast, and koji, with no added alcohol or sugar. We source our rice from local farms in Tochigi Prefecture and use sacred spring water from Furumine Shrine.
Inspired by both traditional sake brewing and the elegance of champagne, Sui Sui reimagines how Japanese sparkling beverages are experienced today.
Our sparkling sake undergoes in-bottle secondary fermentation, where natural carbon dioxide is created as yeast continues to ferment. Because the CO₂ dissolves gently into the liquid, it produces fine, soft bubbles.
Our style is active nigori — roughly filtered, unpasteurised sake bottled with live yeast and lees. Fermentation continues in the bottle, creating natural carbonation. As the yeast remains active, pressure can build. If exposed to heat or strong impact, the bottle may overflow or the cap may release forcefully, so it should always be kept refrigerated and handled with care.
📍 Maenikko Brewery, Kamikazuo, Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
📞 +81 90 9823 0709
Or Reach Our Store
📞 +81 28 962 3072
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