NANBU BIJIN

Founded in 1902, Nanbu Bijin translates as "the beautiful woman of Nanbu", a name chosen by the brewery to represent their aim of producing the clearest, most beautiful sake in Iwate's Nanbu region. Nanbu Bijin toji Hajime Yamaguchi has worked at the brewery since 1964 and has receieved countless awards, including being named as one of "Japan's 100 Great Craftsmen" in 1992 by the Ministry of Labour. In spite of the accolades, Yamaguchi remains humble, saying that however much experience he gathers, the challenge of combining the perfect rice, yeast and water means that every year he feels like a beginner. Yamaguchi is currently working to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of brewers in order to maintain Nanbu Bijin's tradition of excellence.