Developed by a Former Regional Revitalization Squad Member with Town Cooperation! New Sake 'Shukko' Released
Onda Shuzo has launched a new sake brand, 'Shukko', in collaboration with Izumozaki Town. Developed by a former regional revitalization member using the town's local rice, it features a fruity, wine-like flavor.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 23:39
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 04:53 (605h 57m after Collected)
In December 2025 (Reiwa 7), Onda Shuzo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Muikaichi-machi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture; President: Norio Onda) launched a new sake brand for Izumozaki Town called "Shukko", in cooperation with the Izumozaki Town Hall and farmers cultivating "Izumozaki no Kagayaki". This new product can be purchased at liquor stores within Izumozaki Town, including the Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Tenryo no Sato.
Product Overview
"Shukko" uses 100% "Izumozaki no Kagayaki", a brand of Koshihikari rice from Izumozaki Town that began cultivation in 2020, as its raw material. It was developed with the goal of letting people inside and outside the town know about its charms as a new local product. Utilizing one of the strict requirements of the specially cultivated Koshihikari "Izumozaki no Kagayaki"—its low protein content—we aimed for a fruity, sweet and sour taste. The name "Shukko" was inspired by attendees of Izumozaki Town's 20-year-old coming-of-age gathering, with the hope that the youth of Izumozaki will also drink it. Conscious of pairing it with Izumozaki Town's seafood, the sake has a well-balanced sweetness and acidity similar to white wine.
Product Details
This product currently has two lineups: a 1st lot and a 2nd lot. The 1st lot is currently on sale, while the 2nd lot is scheduled for release in mid-April 2026. Excluding Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) and online sites, it will only be sold at shops within Izumozaki Town.
The main difference between the 1st and 2nd lots is the production method. The 1st lot uses a high-temperature saccharification yeast starter (quick-brewing starter), while the 2nd lot uses a 'sanki-amazakemoto' (a type of kimoto starter). In terms of taste, the types of acid differ. The 1st lot features yeast-derived acids (refreshing acids like citric and malic acid), whereas the 2nd lot centers on starter-derived acids (warm acids, mainly lactic acid). Sanki-amazakemoto is a method that has become a hot topic in the industry recently, as adding cultured lactic acid bacteria to the yeast starter allows for stable production of kimoto-style starters. Onda Shuzo is also taking this on as a new brand initiative on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.
Price
The price of "Shukko" is 2,500 yen (tax included) for 720ml. It is available only in the 720ml bottle size.
Future Developments
We plan to secure a portion of the 2026 crop of "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" for sake brewing. This year, Bando, an Onda Shuzo brewer and former Izumozaki Town regional revitalization squad member, participated in the cultivation process, including planting and harvesting, with the aim of creating a product more deeply rooted in the community. In the future, we aim to produce an all-Izumozaki sake, such as by using Izumozaki water for brewing.
Product Overview
"Shukko" uses 100% "Izumozaki no Kagayaki", a brand of Koshihikari rice from Izumozaki Town that began cultivation in 2020, as its raw material. It was developed with the goal of letting people inside and outside the town know about its charms as a new local product. Utilizing one of the strict requirements of the specially cultivated Koshihikari "Izumozaki no Kagayaki"—its low protein content—we aimed for a fruity, sweet and sour taste. The name "Shukko" was inspired by attendees of Izumozaki Town's 20-year-old coming-of-age gathering, with the hope that the youth of Izumozaki will also drink it. Conscious of pairing it with Izumozaki Town's seafood, the sake has a well-balanced sweetness and acidity similar to white wine.
Product Details
This product currently has two lineups: a 1st lot and a 2nd lot. The 1st lot is currently on sale, while the 2nd lot is scheduled for release in mid-April 2026. Excluding Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) and online sites, it will only be sold at shops within Izumozaki Town.
The main difference between the 1st and 2nd lots is the production method. The 1st lot uses a high-temperature saccharification yeast starter (quick-brewing starter), while the 2nd lot uses a 'sanki-amazakemoto' (a type of kimoto starter). In terms of taste, the types of acid differ. The 1st lot features yeast-derived acids (refreshing acids like citric and malic acid), whereas the 2nd lot centers on starter-derived acids (warm acids, mainly lactic acid). Sanki-amazakemoto is a method that has become a hot topic in the industry recently, as adding cultured lactic acid bacteria to the yeast starter allows for stable production of kimoto-style starters. Onda Shuzo is also taking this on as a new brand initiative on the occasion of its 150th anniversary.
Price
The price of "Shukko" is 2,500 yen (tax included) for 720ml. It is available only in the 720ml bottle size.
Future Developments
We plan to secure a portion of the 2026 crop of "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" for sake brewing. This year, Bando, an Onda Shuzo brewer and former Izumozaki Town regional revitalization squad member, participated in the cultivation process, including planting and harvesting, with the aim of creating a product more deeply rooted in the community. In the future, we aim to produce an all-Izumozaki sake, such as by using Izumozaki water for brewing.