Developed with the Cooperation of the Town by a Former Community Revitalization Cooperation Squad Member! New Sake "Shukko" Released
Onda Sake Brewery has launched "Shukko," a new sake brand made from 100% "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" rice, developed in collaboration with the town of Izumozaki. The project, led by a former Community Revitalization Cooperation Squad member, aims to promote the town's charm through a product designed to pair perfectly with local seafood.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 23:39
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56
In December 2025, Onda Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Muikamachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture; Representative Director: Norio Onda), with the cooperation of the Izumozaki Town Office and local farmers of the "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" rice brand, launched a new sake brand for Izumozaki Town called "Shukko." This new product is available for purchase at liquor stores within Izumozaki Town, including the roadside station "Tenryo no Sato."
Product Overview
"Shukko" is made using 100% "Izumozaki no Kagayaki," a Koshihikari brand rice from Izumozaki Town that began cultivation in 2020. It was developed as a new local specialty with the goal of helping people both inside and outside the town discover its charm. By leveraging the low-protein characteristic—one of the strict requirements for the specially cultivated "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" rice—the goal was to create a fruity, sweet-and-sour flavor profile. The name "Shukko" was inspired by ideas from attendees of the Izumozaki Town Coming-of-Age Ceremony, reflecting the desire for the town's youth to enjoy it as well. Designed with pairing with Izumozaki's local seafood in mind, the sake features a well-balanced sweetness and acidity similar to white wine.
Product Details
This product currently has two lineups: the 1st Lot, which is now on sale, and the 2nd Lot, scheduled for release in mid-April 2026. Excluding hometown tax donations (Furusato Nozei) and online sites, it is sold exclusively at shops within Izumozaki Town.
The main difference between the 1st and 2nd lots is the production method: the 1st lot uses high-temperature saccharification yeast (sokujo-kei), while the 2nd lot uses Sanki-Amazake-moto (kimoto-kei). In terms of flavor, the types of acidity differ. The 1st lot focuses on yeast-derived acids (cold-umami acids such as citric and malic acid), while the 2nd lot focuses on yeast-starter-derived acids (warm-umami acids centered on lactic acid). Sanki-Amazake-moto is a method that has recently become a hot topic in the industry for its ability to stably produce kimoto-style yeast starters by adding cultured lactic acid bacteria. Onda Sake Brewery is also adopting this for its new brand to mark its 150th anniversary.
Price
The price of "Shukko" is 2,500 yen (tax included) for 720ml. It is only available in the 720ml "yon-go-bin" bottle size.
Future Developments
We plan to secure a portion of the 2026 harvest of "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" for sake brewing. This year, Takuya Bando, an Onda Sake Brewery brewer and former member of the Izumozaki Town Community Revitalization Cooperation Squad, will be involved in the cultivation process, including rice planting and harvesting, to help make this a product more deeply rooted in the community. In the future, we hope to create an "All-Izumozaki" sake by using local water for the brewing process.
For more information on "Izumozaki no Kagayaki," click here.
The introductory video was created during my time with the Community Revitalization Cooperation Squad.
Comments from the Person in Charge
[Manufacturing & Marketing: Takuya Bando]
This project started with the full cooperation of the people of Izumozaki Town and Onda Sake Brewery. In this era where rice prices fluctuate wildly, we focused on brewing sake using "Izumozaki no Kagayaki," which was born in this place and this era. Please enjoy it.
Product Overview
"Shukko" is made using 100% "Izumozaki no Kagayaki," a Koshihikari brand rice from Izumozaki Town that began cultivation in 2020. It was developed as a new local specialty with the goal of helping people both inside and outside the town discover its charm. By leveraging the low-protein characteristic—one of the strict requirements for the specially cultivated "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" rice—the goal was to create a fruity, sweet-and-sour flavor profile. The name "Shukko" was inspired by ideas from attendees of the Izumozaki Town Coming-of-Age Ceremony, reflecting the desire for the town's youth to enjoy it as well. Designed with pairing with Izumozaki's local seafood in mind, the sake features a well-balanced sweetness and acidity similar to white wine.
Product Details
This product currently has two lineups: the 1st Lot, which is now on sale, and the 2nd Lot, scheduled for release in mid-April 2026. Excluding hometown tax donations (Furusato Nozei) and online sites, it is sold exclusively at shops within Izumozaki Town.
The main difference between the 1st and 2nd lots is the production method: the 1st lot uses high-temperature saccharification yeast (sokujo-kei), while the 2nd lot uses Sanki-Amazake-moto (kimoto-kei). In terms of flavor, the types of acidity differ. The 1st lot focuses on yeast-derived acids (cold-umami acids such as citric and malic acid), while the 2nd lot focuses on yeast-starter-derived acids (warm-umami acids centered on lactic acid). Sanki-Amazake-moto is a method that has recently become a hot topic in the industry for its ability to stably produce kimoto-style yeast starters by adding cultured lactic acid bacteria. Onda Sake Brewery is also adopting this for its new brand to mark its 150th anniversary.
Price
The price of "Shukko" is 2,500 yen (tax included) for 720ml. It is only available in the 720ml "yon-go-bin" bottle size.
Future Developments
We plan to secure a portion of the 2026 harvest of "Izumozaki no Kagayaki" for sake brewing. This year, Takuya Bando, an Onda Sake Brewery brewer and former member of the Izumozaki Town Community Revitalization Cooperation Squad, will be involved in the cultivation process, including rice planting and harvesting, to help make this a product more deeply rooted in the community. In the future, we hope to create an "All-Izumozaki" sake by using local water for the brewing process.
For more information on "Izumozaki no Kagayaki," click here.
The introductory video was created during my time with the Community Revitalization Cooperation Squad.
Comments from the Person in Charge
[Manufacturing & Marketing: Takuya Bando]
This project started with the full cooperation of the people of Izumozaki Town and Onda Sake Brewery. In this era where rice prices fluctuate wildly, we focused on brewing sake using "Izumozaki no Kagayaki," which was born in this place and this era. Please enjoy it.