First Project: Unveiling a New Hokusetsu Symbol Mark

Hokusetsu Sake Brewery, the Sado-based producer responsible for the sake served at "NOBU," the acclaimed Japanese restaurant chain for gourmands worldwide. Its flagship sake, "Daiginjo YK35," has garnered numerous awards in domestic and international competitions, including the "International Wine Challenge (IWC)." The brewery is also committed to sustainable practices, using rice cultivated with "Certified Rice for Coexistence with Crested Ibises" in Sado, an island known as a habitat for these birds, and conducting all brewing processes on the island to ensure local, safe, and secure sake production.

Regarding this 141st-year challenge, Shiro Hazu, the fifth-generation representative director of Hokusetsu Sake Brewery, expressed his enthusiasm: "For the past 140 years, Hokusetsu has dedicated itself to crafting delicious sake nurtured by the natural environment of Sado. Through my encounters with the restaurant 'NOBU,' I've had the opportunity to travel the world with Hokusetsu sake, and seeing the joy on the faces of those enjoying it has made me proud of Sado, the birthplace of Hokusetsu's flavor. This rich natural environment, home to the crested ibis, and its abundance of exquisite ingredients. I want to share Sado, a place I can confidently recommend to people worldwide, through Hokusetsu, connecting the local and the global. With this aspiration, our challenge in this 141st year extends beyond just our sake; we aim to create initiatives that inspire people to visit Sado."



Artist Hiroko Takahashi, who has been appointed Creative Director, commented: "When I first tasted Hokusetsu sake, I felt that President Hazu's aspiration to share the charm and value of the land globally through sake brewing was reflected in its taste. As it is something to be consumed, safety, security, and deliciousness are fundamental. This is a challenge to further evolve that sake and convey the value of Sado, where it originates, with a global perspective. Together with President Hazu, the master brewers, and everyone at the brewery, we will move forward with heartfelt collaboration, looking towards the next 100 years."




Moving forward, the brewery will begin rice planting with contract farmers in May for the 2014 new sake season, introduce a new brewing system in July, and refresh the visual identity of all Hokusetsu brands this autumn, alongside a full-scale entry into rice cultivation.