Saga Shuzo Full Renewal: Where Innovation and Tradition Intersect in a New Sake Brewing Hub

Chiiki Mirai Group (President: Shota Wakiyama, HQ: Fukuoka City) announced that its subsidiary, Saga Shuzo (President: Satomi Kinoshita, HQ: Saga City), has completed the full renewal of its sake brewery in April. The project, which began in April 2023 and spanned three phases, saw the construction of five new buildings. Sumitomo Forestry (President: Toshiro Mitsuyoshi, HQ: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) oversaw the comprehensive design and was responsible for the construction of the wooden barrel storage, steel-framed refrigerated storage, and the wooden office building.

Saga Shuzo aims to pursue the potential of Japanese sake while passing down over 330 years of tradition to the next generation. Starting from this new brewery, the company will contribute to regional revitalization across Japan and share the new value of sake with the world.

Architectural Features The site consists of five buildings: a barrel storage, a brewery, a bottling plant, a refrigerated storage, and an office. The exterior design is simple and sharp, using white to evoke polished rice and Arita porcelain, and black to recall traditional brewery walls and lacquerware. The wooden barrel storage achieves a large open space of approximately 10.0m x 21.8m with a ceiling height of 8.5m using standard lumber. The exposed wood structure enhances the unity of the space designed for barrel aging.

The grounds preserve historical assets including 100-year-old sacred trees, Ebisu statues, and water channels built over a century ago. These have been integrated into the landscaping to inherit the historical landscape. The brewery also features a tour route, photo spots, a shop, and rest areas, allowing visitors to experience the charm of sake brewing with all five senses.

Equipment All equipment and machinery related to brewing have been refreshed. Processes that previously relied on the experience and intuition of veteran brewers have been digitized and automated. Temperature, humidity, and timing for each stage are strictly managed to produce high-quality sake consistently. The refrigerated storage uses 24-hour high-precision temperature control to maintain quality.

Saga Shuzo - Refreshing the Full 5-Product Lineup Saga Shuzo aims to create 'moments of happiness' at dining tables worldwide. To mark the renewal, the company refreshed its entire lineup, including the traditional brands 'Madonoume' and 'Umegatani', the low-alcohol and fruity 'SAGA BLUE', 'SAGA FOREST Bitter green', and the pinnacle 'Premium Saga'.

'SAGA FOREST Bitter green' features a fresh aroma with a hint of bitterness. Its special wooden box is manufactured by Sumirin Wood Piece using cedar from Sumitomo Forestry's forests in Shikoku.

A concept shop was also opened in Otemon, Fukuoka City, on March 28, 2026, serving as a hub for tastings and purchases.

(Reference) Saga Shuzo traces its origins back to 1688. The representative brand 'Madonoume' has long been loved as a local sake of Saga.