Toji Brewers Working Day and Night During the Deepest Winter

The art of brewing "Nihonshu," or Japanese sake, has been cherished since ancient times. It is said to have begun during the winter agricultural off-season when farmers sought additional income. The position of "Toji," a chosen individual, carries immense responsibility, capable of shaping the future of the entire brewery, often while separated from their families and enduring harsh conditions.

This film portrays Japanese sake brewing, the inheritance of tradition, and the natural environment of Noto through the lens of the "Noto Toji," a collective of skilled brewers hailing from the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Kahori Ishii, who also directed the documentary "A Handful of Salt" set in Noto, returns to the director's chair, with Tomoe Shinohara providing the narration.

The Struggles of Young Brewers Following in the Footsteps of Great Masters

Among the many Toji groups across Japan, the "Four Heavenly Kings of Noto Toji" laid the foundation for modern ginjo sake. Their legacy lives on in the younger generation of brewers.

Two current top Toji, the eternal challenger Yukio Sakaguchi and Mr. Perfect Shu Ie, both consider all four masters their mentors. They are followed by younger brewers, including the first female Toji in the history of Noto Toji, and those grappling with the dilemma of not being able to catch up to the towering presence of their seniors.

The film captures the Toji's pursuit of the perfect cup, battling invisible microbes during the coldest days of winter.