Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Wins Gold Awards at 3 Breweries in the Annual Japan Sake Awards
Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. won Gold Awards for three of its breweries—Honten No. 2, Honten No. 3, and Asahi Brewery—at the Annual Japan Sake Awards for the 2025 brewing year. For the Honten No. 2 brewery, which concludes operations this winter for reconstruction, this serves as a successful final chapter. The company remains committed to advancing brewing technology to enhance quality.
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- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 23:00
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## Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Wins Gold Awards for Three Breweries
Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. has announced that three of its breweries—Honten No. 2, Honten No. 3, and Asahi Brewery—received Gold Awards at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, co-organized by the National Research Institute of Brewing and the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.
The Honten No. 2 brewery has been responsible for producing Hakutsuru’s premium sake grades throughout the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. However, it will conclude operations this winter to make way for a new, modernized production facility. Winning the Gold Award in its final season of brewing marks a successful culmination of the brewery's long history.
## Comments from Production Headquarters
Commenting on the achievement, Jin Mizutani, Head of the Production Division, stated:
"Despite difficulties in rice dissolution this year, likely influenced by the summer heat, we were able to maintain target-oriented brewing management. Achieving Gold Awards for three of our breweries in Japan’s most prestigious sake contest is a significant milestone. It is particularly meaningful that the Honten No. 2 brewery achieved this in its final year, proving that the skills and dedication we have cultivated have truly blossomed. We will continue to refine our brewing techniques and dedicate ourselves to creating sake that brings joy to our customers."
## About the Annual Japan Sake Awards
The Japan Sake Awards aim to promote improvements in sake quality and manufacturing techniques by investigating and researching sake produced in the 2025 brewing year. It also serves to increase public awareness and recognition of sake.
- Total entries: 793
- Prize-winning sake: 411
- Gold award sake: 217
Hakutsuru Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. has announced that three of its breweries—Honten No. 2, Honten No. 3, and Asahi Brewery—received Gold Awards at the Annual Japan Sake Awards, co-organized by the National Research Institute of Brewing and the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.
The Honten No. 2 brewery has been responsible for producing Hakutsuru’s premium sake grades throughout the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. However, it will conclude operations this winter to make way for a new, modernized production facility. Winning the Gold Award in its final season of brewing marks a successful culmination of the brewery's long history.
## Comments from Production Headquarters
Commenting on the achievement, Jin Mizutani, Head of the Production Division, stated:
"Despite difficulties in rice dissolution this year, likely influenced by the summer heat, we were able to maintain target-oriented brewing management. Achieving Gold Awards for three of our breweries in Japan’s most prestigious sake contest is a significant milestone. It is particularly meaningful that the Honten No. 2 brewery achieved this in its final year, proving that the skills and dedication we have cultivated have truly blossomed. We will continue to refine our brewing techniques and dedicate ourselves to creating sake that brings joy to our customers."
## About the Annual Japan Sake Awards
The Japan Sake Awards aim to promote improvements in sake quality and manufacturing techniques by investigating and researching sake produced in the 2025 brewing year. It also serves to increase public awareness and recognition of sake.
- Total entries: 793
- Prize-winning sake: 411
- Gold award sake: 217
FAQ
What were the results for Hakutsuru at the Japan Sake Awards?
They won Gold Awards for three of their breweries: Honten No. 2, Honten No. 3, and Asahi Brewery.
What is the significance of the Honten No. 2 brewery award?
It marked the final season of brewing at this location before the facility is rebuilt, serving as a successful farewell.
What is the purpose of the Japan Sake Awards?
To assess manufacturing techniques and sake quality, promoting improvements and increasing public appreciation for sake.