Junmai Daiginjo Niseko Ezo Fuji (100% Niseko-grown sake rice 'Comet') Wins Gold at IWC2026

Hakkaisan Brewery Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture; Representative Director: Masahito Nagumo; hereinafter 'Hakkaisan') is pleased to announce that its 'Junmai Daiginjo Niseko Ezo Fuji,' made from 100% of the sake rice variety 'Comet' (suisei) grown in Niseko, Hokkaido, has been awarded a Gold Medal in the Sake category's Junmai Daiginjo subcategory at IWC (International Wine Challenge) 2026, one of the world's largest alcoholic beverage competitions.

Founded in the UK in 1984, IWC is a global wine and sake competition. This year, numerous brands from around the world were entered in the sake division, and rigorous tastings were conducted by industry experts. The award-winning 'Junmai Daiginjo Niseko Ezo Fuji' is brewed at Hakkaisan's brewery in Uonuma using 100% Comet rice from Niseko. It features a soft mouthfeel, a fruity and elegant aroma reminiscent of fresh fruit, and a crisp yet rich umami flavor. The award recognizes both the unique character of Niseko Comet rice and Hakkaisan's long-cultivated daiginjo brewing expertise.

Sake Born from Collaboration with Niseko Town

Niseko Ezo Fuji was born from a collaboration with Niseko Town, sparked by the opening of a distillery in Niseko in 2021 by Group company Niseko Distillery Co., Ltd.

The rice used is Comet, a sake rice variety developed in Hokkaido in 2006. Comet is known for its low protein content, making it suitable for producing clean, elegant sake.

Hokkaido is blessed with not only seafood but also a diverse range of ingredients such as meat, dairy, and vegetables. Hakkaisan designed Niseko Ezo Fuji as a food-friendly sake that complements Hokkaido's rich food culture, delivering a sake born from the connection between Hokkaido and Niigata's Uonuma region.

Encouraged by this award, the company will continue to strive to deliver the taste of its products to customers both in Japan and abroad, and all employees will work together to further improve quality to live up to this honor.

Product Overview

Junmai Daiginjo Niseko Ezo Fuji

Made from 100% Comet sake rice grown in the vast nature of Niseko, Hokkaido, and carefully brewed in Uonuma.

This Junmai Daiginjo features an aroma reminiscent of green apples and a light, crisp finish. The fruity sweetness and vivid acidity harmonize, leading to a transparent, beautiful aftertaste. It is crafted to complement meals, highlighting the character of Comet rice.

Product type: Seishu (sake)

Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice koji (domestic rice)

Rice polishing ratio: 45%

Alcohol content: 16%

Suggested retail price: 720ml: 4,318 yen (with gift box), 4,070 yen (without gift box)

Series Products

Ginjo Niseko Ezo Fuji

Made from 100% Comet sake rice grown in the vast nature of Niseko, Hokkaido, and carefully brewed in Uonuma.

A gentle ginjo aroma and clean umami from the rice are harmonized in a crisp flavor. A food-friendly sake perfect for delicate seasonal dishes.

Product type: Seishu

Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice koji (domestic rice), Brewing alcohol

Rice polishing ratio: 55%

Alcohol content: 15.5%

Suggested retail price: 720ml: 3,548 yen (with gift box), 3,300 yen (without gift box)

About Hakkaisan

The Hakkaisan Group (Hakkaisan Brewery Co., Ltd.) was founded in 1922 in the heavy snowfall region of Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture. With the philosophy of 'making high-quality sake that is crisp and balanced,' the company leverages the skills and spirit cultivated through its flagship sake 'Hakkaisan' to offer a wide range of products including shochu, plum wine, craft beer 'Reeden Beer,' whiskey, gin, koji amazake, fermented foods, and cosmetics. Under the theme 'Rice, Koji, Fermentation, and Water,' the company positions itself as a 'fermentation creation company' that fosters spiritual richness through the power of fermentation and creation. In 2021, the company entered into a business and capital partnership with Brooklyn Kura, a sake brewery in New York, USA, and began making sake using local brewers and local ingredients. With the goal of 'making sake a global beverage,' the company is actively expanding internationally.

Head office address: 1051 Nagamori, Minamiuonuma City, Niigata Prefecture

Website: https://www.hakkaisan.co.jp/

Official SNS: X: https://x.com/hakkaisan1922 Instagram (alcoholic beverages): https://www.instagram.com/hakkaisan_1922/ Instagram (Wellness): https://www.instagram.com/hakkaisan_wellness/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hakkaisan1922

Hakkaisan Online Store: https://ec-hakkaisan.com/

Customer Inquiries

For product inquiries: Hakkaisan Brewery Co., Ltd., Customer Consultation Office TEL: 0800-800-3865 (weekdays 9:00-17:00)