November 10, 2022
Office of Analysis and Brewing Technology
Sendai Regional Taxation Bureau
(1) Purpose
The purpose of The Tohoku Sake Awards (Tohoku Seishu Kanpyokai) is to improve further the quality and brewing technique of sake brewers in the Tohoku region under the auspices of the Sendai Regional Taxation Bureau, thereby contributing to the sound development of the sake brewing industry.
(2) Review of 2022
The Tohoku Sake Awards generally showcase sake brewers possessing the best brewing techniques in Japan, whose high-quality sake has been brewed with great care during the winter and meticulously managed and matured during the summer.
This year, 142 sake breweries in the Tohoku region’s six prefectures entered 137 samples from 120 breweries in the ginjo-shu category, and 134 samples from 116 breweries in the junmai-shu category.
The ginjo-shu category showcased well-balanced sakes with gorgeous fruity aromas and a smooth, rich taste. In the junmai-shu category, various kinds of ingredient rice were used, and the sakes had rich personality and flavor characterized by acidity and umami.
Many breweries were damaged when the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 devastated the Tohoku region. Also, they suffered from damages by the large earthquakes in February, March 2021, and March 2022. Despite these, all of the sakes entered in the Sake Awards are of exceptionally high quality. The fact shows that sake breweries in the Tohoku region are making huge progress toward recovery. The breweries have also been affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic, but we strongly believe that they will overcome these trials.
(1) Qualification for entry
Licensed sake breweries located within the jurisdiction of the Sendai Regional Taxation Bureau (i.e., Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima prefectures)
(2) Eligible sakes
Sake from the below-mentioned categories that were produced from the entrant’s own production site located within the jurisdiction of the Sendai Regional Taxation Bureau during the brewing year of 2021.
(3) Categories
(4) Number of entries permitted
Each licensed sake brewery can submit up to two entries in total for the two categories. The number of entries for one category cannot be more than two.
(1) Schedule
-Preliminary examination: October 4-5 (Tues.-Wed.), 2022
-Final examination: October 7 (Fri.), 2022
(2) Process
The jurors assess the quality of each sample by sensory evaluation. All examinations are blind and administered by category. In the preliminary examinations, each sample is examined for individual attributes to clarify a sensory profile and overall evaluation is given based on a five-step scoring method. After this preliminary process, the highest scoring entries are selected for the final examination. In the final examination, the chosen sakes are evaluated by a three-step scoring method.
(3) Evaluation policy
Overall quality is determined based on the following style-based categories:
a Ginjo-shu: well-balanced flavor, characteristic aroma, and delicate taste
b Junmai-shu: refined flavor with umami (savoriness) and round texture
(4) Quality evaluation jurors
Jurors were selected from a pool of experts, including:
- Academics in the field of sake brewing
- Staff members from the National Research Institute of Brewing (NRIB)
- Staff members from prefectural brewing-related organizations
- Sake experts and manufacturers recommended by the prefectural sake and shochu makers’ associations of the Tohoku region
- Technical officers from the Sendai Regional Taxation Bureau
List of Jurors 2022
Name | Affiliations | Participating Examinations |
---|---|---|
OGURA AKIRA | AOMORI PREFECTURAL INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER, HIROSAKI INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE |
GP, JP |
SAITO TOMOAKI | GF, JF | |
NARUMI NOBUHIRO | NARUMIJOZOTEN CORPORATION | GP, JP |
NAGANE KENICHI | MOMOKAWA BREWING, INC. | GF, JF |
TAMAKAWA HIDEYUKI | IWATE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE | GP, JP |
HIRANO TAKAHIRO | GF, JF | |
MIURA KENTARO | IWATEMEIJYO CO., LTD. | GP, JP |
KONNO YASUAKI | SUISEN SHUZO CO., LTD. OHFUNATOGURA | GF, JF |
HASHIMOTO KENYA | MIYAGI PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT | GP, JP |
ITO KENJI | MIYAGI SAKE AND SHOCHU MAKERS ASSOCIATION | GF, JF |
WATANABE KOJI | SAURA COMPANY, LIMITED | GP, JP |
SAITO KAICHIRO | KAKUBOSHI CO., LTD. | GF, JF |
UEHARA TOMOMI | AKITA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND BREWING | GP, JP |
SHINDO SHO | GF, JF | |
SASAKI AKIHIRO | DEWATSURUSYUZO CO., LTD. | GP, JP |
SATO OSAMU | AKITA MEIJO COMPANY LIMITED | GF, JF |
KUDOH SHINPEI | YAMAGATA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | GP, JP |
ISHIGAKI HIROYOSHI | GF, JF | |
SATO ICHIRO | FUMOTOI CO., LTD. | GP, JP |
WADA SHIGEKI | WADA SHUZO LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | GF, JF |
KIKUCHI NOBUHIRO | INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE FUKUSHIMA PREFECTUAL GOVERNMENT, AIZUWAKAMATSU TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTRE |
GP, JP |
TAKAHASHI RYO | GF, JF | |
WATANABE KEITA | AIZU SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. | GP, JP |
SATO TETSUYA | YAMATOGAWA SHUZOTEN.LTD | GF, JF |
JOHN GAUNTNER | SAKE WORLD, Inc. | GF, JF |
KUMADA CARLIN | YUTAKA SHOPPING KK | GF, JF |
KANAUCHI MAKOTO | MIYAGI UNIVERSITY | GF, JF |
FUJII TSUTOMU | FUKUSHIMA UNIVERSITY | GF, JF |
YAMADA OSAMU | NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF BREWING | GF, JF |
MUTO AKINORI | OFFICE OF ANALYSIS AND BREWING TECHNOLOGY, SENDAI REGIONAL TAXATION BUREAU |
GP, JP, GF, JF |
FUJITA DAISUKE | GP, JP, GF, JF | |
KATO YUKO | GP, JP, GF, JF | |
KURAMOTO AKIHIDE | GP, JP, GF, JF |
Abbreviations: GP, Ginjo-shu preliminary ex.; JP, Junmai-shu preliminary ex.; GF, Ginjo-shu final ex.; JF, Junmai-shu final ex.
Entrants earning high scores in the final examination for each category are awarded an honor prize. The number of recipients of this prize is limited, and only those placing in the top one-third of all entrants in each category are eligible.
Of the top three rankings for each category, the “Grand Honor Prize” is awarded to those placing first in each category, and the “Special Honor Prize” to those placing second or third.
Certificates in English and Japanese are then presented to each of the prizewinners by the commissioner of the Sendai Regional Taxation Bureau.
The event will not be held this year due to COVID-19.
(1) Date
This event is scheduled to be held from November 14 (Mon.) to 18 (Fri.), 2022.
(2) Location
This event is scheduled to be located at the office of Analysis and Brewing Technology of the Sendai Regional Taxation Bureau at the 1st floor of the Sendai Joint Government Building A.
(3) Participants
Due to COVID-19 measures, participants will be limited to sake brewers, technical guidance organization staff in the Tohoku area and jurors of the Tohoku Sake Awards 2022 who register in advance. The dates and times of participation will be staggered.
(1) Number of Entries
Prefecture | Ginjo-shu | Junmai-shu | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Aomori | 11 (10) | 10 (10) | 21 (11) |
Iwate | 14 (12) | 19 (14) | 33 (17) |
Miyagi | 18 (14) | 21 (15) | 39 (21) |
Akita | 23 (22) | 24 (22) | 47 (24) |
Yamagata | 35 (29) | 28 (25) | 63 (34) |
Fukushima | 36 (33) | 32 (30) | 68 (35) |
Total | 137 (120) | 134 (116) | 271 (142) |
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of breweries
(Previous Year)
Prefecture | Ginjo-shu | Junmai-shu | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Aomori | 11 (10) | 11 (10) | 22 (11) |
Iwate | 12 (11) | 17 (14) | 29 (15) |
Miyagi | 20 (17) | 19 (15) | 39 (21) |
Akita | 28 (24) | 23 (22) | 51 (26) |
Yamagata | 37 (29) | 27 (24) | 64 (35) |
Fukushima | 37 (30) | 30 (26) | 67 (36) |
Total | 145 (121) | 127 (111) | 272 (144) |
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of breweries
(2) Number of Prizewinners (including Grand Honor, Special Honor and Honor Prizes)
Prefecture | Ginjo-shu | Junmai-shu | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Aomori | 3 (3) | 4 (4) | 7 (6) |
Iwate | 4 (4) | 9 (8) | 13 (9) |
Miyagi | 4 (4) | 6 (5) | 10 (8) |
Akita | 9 (9) | 6 (6) | 15 (13) |
Yamagata | 12 (11) | 7 (7) | 19 (15) |
Fukushima | 11 (10) | 15 (14) | 26 (18) |
Total | 43 (41) | 47 (44) | 90 (69) |
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of breweries
(Previous Year)
Prefecture | Ginjo-shu | Junmai-shu | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Aomori | 6 (6) | 5 (5) | 11 (6) |
Iwate | 2 (2) | 7 (6) | 9 (7) |
Miyagi | 6 (5) | 5 (4) | 11 (7) |
Akita | 8 (8) | 7 (7) | 15 (13) |
Yamagata | 14 (10) | 5 (5) | 19 (13) |
Fukushima | 15 (14) | 12 (11) | 27 (20) |
Total | 51 (45) | 41 (38) | 92 (66) |
Numbers in parentheses indicate the number of breweries
In regard solely to entrants awarded the "Grand Honor Prize" and the “Special Honor Prize,” tasting notes by two foreign jurors and some of the Japanese jurors are published.
a. Grand Honor Prize
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Yamagata | FUMOTOI CO., LTD. | JCN6390001006753 | FUMOTOI |
Tasting notes by two foreign jurors | |||
• JOHN GAUNTNER (SAKE WORLD, Inc.) • KUMADA CARLIN (YUTAKA SHOPPING KK) |
|||
Tasting notes by Japanese jurors | |||
Aromas of rich ripened apples and grapes, coupled with hints of vanilla, mixed with a soft sweetness and pleasant richness, then a thick yet refreshing finish. |
b. Special Honor Prize
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Yamagata | YONETSURUSYUZO CORPORATION | JCN8390001010456 | YONETSURU |
Tasting notes by two foreign jurors | |||
• JOHN GAUNTNER (SAKE WORLD, Inc.) • KUMADA CARLIN (YUTAKA SHOPPING KK) |
|||
Tasting notes by Japanese jurors | |||
Notes of ripe strawberry and green apple with accents of refreshing sweetness and bitterness reminiscent of chocolate. Light and easy to drink with an aftertaste that disappears pleasantly. |
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Fukushima | SUEHIRO SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. HAKASEGURA |
JCN2380001017549 | GENSAI |
Tasting notes by two foreign jurors | |||
• JOHN GAUNTNER (SAKE WORLD, Inc.) • KUMADA CARLIN (YUTAKA SHOPPING KK) |
|||
Tasting notes by Japanese jurors | |||
Notes of vanilla and ripened fruit with just the right amount of honey-like sweetness. A pleasant sensation of light carbonation bubbling and receding in the mouth. |
c. Honor Prize
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Aomori | NISHIDASYUZOUTEN CO. | JCN9420001001673 | KINKAN KIKUIZUMI |
Aomori | NARUMIJOZOTEN CORPORATION | JCN2420001009987 | INAMURAYABUNSHIROU |
Aomori | SEKINOI SHUZOU LIMITED COMPANY | JCN4420002019678 | KITAISAMI |
Iwate | TSUKINOWA SYUZOUTEN CO., LTD. | JCN3400002007322 | TSUKINOWA |
Iwate | IWATEMEIJYO CO., LTD. | JCN4400601000560 | IWATEHOMARE-SENDAIBENIYACYOUKURO |
Iwate | HAMACHIDORI CO., LTD. | JCN4400001007322 | HAMACHIDORI |
Iwate | NANBUBIJIN CO., LTD. BASENKYOUKURA | JCN8400001007847 | NANBUBIJIN |
Miyagi | UCHIGASAKI BREWING CO. | JCN3370003001278 | HOYO |
Miyagi | HIRAKOUSHUZOU CO., LTD. | JCN6370301001456 | HITAKAMI |
Miyagi | KAWAKEI SHOTEN GENERAL PARTNERSHIP CORP. | JCN5370203000219 | KOGANESAWA |
Miyagi | ICHINOKURA CORPORATION KINRYUKURA | JCN4370201000031 | ICHINOKURA KINRYUKURA |
Akita | AKITA SHURUI SEIZOH CO., LTD. HONSHAGURA | JCN8410001000388 | TAKASHIMIZU |
Akita | AKITA SHURUI SEIZOH CO., LTD. GOSHONOGURA | JCN8410001000388 | TAKASHIMIZU |
Akita | KODAMA BREWING CO., LTD. | JCN6410001003426 | TAIHEIZAN |
Akita | HINOMARUJOZO CO., LTD. | JCN6410001009167 | MANSAKUNOHANA |
Akita | SAIYA SHUZOTEN CO., LTD. | JCN6410001004787 | YUKINOBOSHA KACHOGESSEKI |
Akita | HIRAIZUMIHONPO CO., LTD. | JCN8410001005189 | HIRAIZUMI |
Akita | AKITAKENHAKKOKOGYO CORPORATION | JCN6410001005430 | ITTEKISENRYO |
Akita | KIMURA BREWERY INC. | JCN8410001010073 | FUKUKOMACHI |
Akita | KARIHO SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN9410001007903 | KOUN |
Yamagata | KOTOBUKI TORAYA SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN1390001000587 | JUKYUGURA |
Yamagata | DEWAZAKURA SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. | JCN5390001004452 | DEWAZAKURA |
Yamagata | DEWAZAKURA SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. YAMAGATAGURA | JCN5390001004452 | DEWAZAKURA |
Yamagata | EIKO FUJI SAKE BREWING COMPANY | JCN8390001007782 | EIKO FUJI |
Yamagata | SAKATA SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN5390001006226 | JYOKIGEN |
Yamagata | TOHOKUMEIJO CORPORATION | JCN5390001006440 | HATSUMAGO |
Yamagata | MATUYAMA SYUZO CORPORATION | JCN8390001007254 | MATUMINE NO FUJI |
Yamagata | KOYASHUZO CORPORATION | JCN9390001008714 | HANAUYO |
Yamagata | WADA SHUZO LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | JCN6390003000928 | ARATAMA GASSANMARU |
Fukushima | AKEBONOSYUZOU CO., LTD. | JCN5380003001861 | ISSHOUSEISYUN |
Fukushima | EISEN SYUZOU CORPORATION | JCN6380001017280 | EISIROU |
Fukushima | OTOKOYAMASHUZOUTEN,L.P. | JCN6380003001761 | AIZUOTOKOYAMA |
Fukushima | SHIRAISHUZOTEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | JCN3380003001772 | BANDAIHOU |
Fukushima | TSURUNOE SYUZO CO., LTD. | JCN7380001017619 | AIZU CHUJO |
Fukushima | NAGURAYAMA SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. | JCN6380001017685 | NAGURAYAMA |
Fukushima | NINKI INC. | JCN1380001009951 | NINKI-ICHI |
Fukushima | HIMONOYA SYUZOTEN CO., LTD. | JCN1380001009456 | SENKONARI |
Fukushima | KOKKEN SYUZO CORPORATION | JCN5380001019146 | KOKKEN |
JCN indicates Japan Corporate Number
a. Grand Honor Prize
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Fukushima | INAGAWA SHUZOTEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | JCN9380003001759 | SHICHIJURO |
Tasting notes by two foreign jurors | |||
• JOHN GAUNTNER (SAKE WORLD, Inc.) • KUMADA CARLIN (YUTAKA SHOPPING KK) |
|||
Tasting notes by Japanese jurors | |||
Fruity aromas of banana and berry, particularly in the mouth. The sweetness and acidity are well harmonized, smooth, and light with a lingering taste. |
b. Special Honor Prize
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Miyagi | ICHINOKURA CORPORATION HONSHAKURA | JCN4370201000031 | ICHINOKURA |
Tasting notes by two foreign jurors | |||
• JOHN GAUNTNER (SAKE WORLD, Inc.) • KUMADA CARLIN (YUTAKA SHOPPING KK) |
|||
Tasting notes by Japanese jurors | |||
Balanced aromas of green apple and vanilla. The flavor has a rich sweetness and is refreshing and sharp. |
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Fukushima | SATOU SHUZOUTEN CORPORATION | JCN7380002009846 | FUJINOI |
Tasting notes by two foreign jurors | |||
• JOHN GAUNTNER (SAKE WORLD, Inc.) • KUMADA CARLIN (YUTAKA SHOPPING KK) |
|||
Tasting notes by Japanese jurors | |||
Gentle aromas of banana mixed with the scent of sticky rice dumplings and an aftertaste of nuts. A wonderful balance of rich sweetness and refreshing acidity. |
c. Honor Prize
Prefecture | Brewery | JCN | Brand |
---|---|---|---|
Aomori | MIURASHUZO CO., LTD. | JCN4420001010349 | HOUHAI |
Aomori | ROKKA SHUZO CO., LTD. | JCN3420001009607 | JOPPARI |
Aomori | NARUMIJOZOTEN CORPORATION | JCN2420001009987 | INAMURAYABUNSHIROU |
Aomori | MOMOKAWA BREWING, INC. | JCN6420001012244 | MOMOKAWA |
Iwate | AKABUSHUZOU CO., LTD. | JCN5400001007445 | AKABU |
Iwate | SAKURAGAO SHUZO CO., LTD. | JCN6400001000663 | SAKURAGAO |
Iwate | TSUKINOWA SYUZOUTEN CO., LTD. | JCN3400002007322 | TSUKINOWA |
Iwate | SENNKINNSYUZOU CORPORATION | JCN5400001007081 | RYUUSENNYAEZAKURA |
Iwate | SUISEN SHUZO CO., LTD. OHFUNATOGURA | JCN7402701000297 | SUISEN |
Iwate | IWATEMEIJYO CO., LTD. | JCN4400601000560 | IWATEHOMARE |
Iwate | HAMACHIDORI CO., LTD. | JCN4400001007322 | HAMACHIDORI |
Iwate | NANBUBIJIN CORPORATION | JCN8400001007847 | NANBUBIJIN |
Miyagi | UCHIGASAKI BREWING CO. | JCN3370003001278 | HOYO |
Miyagi | YAMAWA SYUZO CO., LTD. | JCN2370201002401 | YAMAWA |
Miyagi | KANENOI SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN9370201003145 | WATAYA |
Miyagi | HAGINO SHUZO CO., LTD. | JCN7370201003139 | HAGINOTSURU |
Akita | FUKUROKUJUSHUZOU CORPORATION | JCN7410001003499 | IPPAKUSUISEI |
Akita | ASAMAI SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN3410001008956 | AMANOTO |
Akita | SAIYA SHUZOTEN CO., LTD. | JCN6410001004787 | YUKINOBOSHA CHOSETSU |
Akita | RYOZEKISHUZO CO., LTD. | JCN6410001005595 | RYOZEKI |
Akita | KARIHO SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN9410001007903 | KAEI |
Akita | DEWATSURUSYUZO CO., LTD. | JCN6410001008202 | DEWATSURU |
Yamagata | SHUHO SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. | JCN4390002001276 | SHUHO |
Yamagata | AZUMANOFUMOTO LIMITED COMPANY | JCN4390002014534 | AZUMANOFUMOTO |
Yamagata | YONETSURUSYUZO CORPORATION | JCN8390001010456 | YONETSURU |
Yamagata | TAKENO TSUYU SAKAGURA CO., LTD. | JCN8390003000538 | HAKURO SUISHU |
Yamagata | SAKATA SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN5390001006226 | JYOKIGEN |
Yamagata | WADA SHUZO LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | JCN6390003000928 | ARATAMA |
Yamagata | TAKAGI SHUZO CORPORATION | JCN4390001009320 | JUYONDAI |
Fukushima | KINSUISHO SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. | JCN4380002000997 | KINSUISHO |
Fukushima | EISEN SYUZOU CORPORATION | JCN6380001017280 | EISIROU |
Fukushima | OTOKOYAMASHUZOUTEN,L.P. | JCN6380003001761 | AIZUOTOKOYAMA |
Fukushima | SHIRAISHUZOTEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | JCN3380003001772 | ISASUMINOMORI |
Fukushima | TATSUIZUMISHUZO LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | JCN9380003001775 | KYONOHANA |
Fukushima | TSURUNOE SYUZO CO., LTD. | JCN7380001017619 | AIZU CHUJO |
Fukushima | NAGURAYAMA SAKE BREWERY CO., LTD. | JCN6380001017685 | NAGURAYAMA |
Fukushima | YAMAGUCHI GENERAL PARTNERSHIP | JCN4380003001747 | GIHEI |
Fukushima | SATOUSYUZOU CO., LTD. | JCN4380001007977 | MIHARUKOMA |
Fukushima | TOYOKUNI SHUZO LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | JCN3380003000799 | CHOU |
Fukushima | KOKKEN SYUZO CORPORATION | JCN5380001019146 | KOKKEN |
Fukushima | WATANABE KENICHI | - | KUBOI |
JCN indicates Japan Corporate Number