Persistently in pursuit of making the finest sake through the use of traditional manual techniques and tools including wagama, kigoshiki and kōjibuta. Since its inception in 1848, the first year of the Kaei Era, Sawada Shuzo based in a pottery town named Tokoname in Chita Peninsula continues to embrace its long history as premium sake brewery by retaining the good old traditional skills applied in the fully hand-made production to this day. HAKUROU is born from the earnest interaction between the brewer and the microorganisms living in kōji (cultured rice with kōji fungus) and kōbo (yeast) that have been created from carefully selected rice and water.

Origin of 'HAKUROU' （白老）

The kanji character for HAKU （白） means 'white'. Polishing rice until it whitens implies the earnest efforts of the brewers to create the best sake possible by handling the key raw material with utmost care. White is regarded in Japan as a color that brings good fortune and also symbolizes the notion of everlasting continuation. The kanji character for ROU （老） means 'old'. It carries the connotation of life extension, perpetual youth, and longevity as well as the seasoned brewers’ accomplished skills.

Steaming Method

Inside of their Kura, there was a huge wooden steaming vat standing. This is called “Koshiki” in Japanese. They used to steam 1 ton and 200 kilos of rice at once until the bottom of this steamer fell out in 2016. 9 out of 10 fermentation experts around Hidetoshi advised not to use it anymore, but Hidetoshi couldn’t give up on this precious traditional steamer. At that time, there was still one man in Osaka who could make this huge Koshiki. With much hope Hidetoshi asked him to make a new one before his retirement in 2020.

Earthquake Disasters

Sawada Shuzo was established in 1848, and fell over once in 1854 at the time of Tōnankai earthquakes. This was also mentioned in the old diary book they found at the brewery. It’s written that 'a big wave swept our barrels.' and such. After the earthquake, they relocated to the current location: Tokoname city, but there was a big earthquake again in 1944 during the World War II and they had to restore the brewery one more time.

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