The Story
A Legacy of Resilience
History spans nearly 300 years. Despite being tossed by the waves of time and enduring through the most difficult eras, we never allowed our brewing heritage to vanish. This steadfast commitment—brewing small batches with unwavering heart—is the foundation that defines Matsui Shuzo today.
The groundwater flowing from Mt. Hiei is remarkably soft, characterized by a clean, transparent flavor without any traces of impurity. This water is a vital element of our craftsmanship and the very reason we have been able to sustain our brewing tradition for centuries.
Over the years, we have become the oldest surviving brewery still active in the heart of Kyoto. Our greatest priority is ensuring that our customers can enjoy our sake in its purest, most authentic state. We hope that through Matsui’s sake, each of our patrons can experience a truly meaningful and memorable time.
The Sake
Roots in 1726 Taijima
The history of Matsui Shuzo dates back to 1726 (Kyoho 11). It began in Taijima Province (present-day Kami-machi, Hyogo) with the 4th-generation head, Matsui Jiemon, a former vassal to the lord of Takagi Castle. For the next twelve generations, the heads of the Matsui family followed the tradition of inheriting the name "Jiemon," steadfastly maintaining the brewery’s legacy.
In their ancestral home of Kasumi, a stone monument still marks the well dug by the Matsui ancestors at Saigeiji Temple, named "Senshin Kanrosui" (Sweet Dew Water for Washing the Heart). During Kasumi's golden age as a hub for the Kitamaebune trade route, the Matsui family owned two great ships, the "Tenjin-maru" and the "Hachiman-maru," trading with Hokkaido. It is said they sailed north carrying sake and returned laden with the bounties of the sea.
The heritage brand "Fuji Chitose" was named as a prayer to the sacred Mt. Fuji for safe navigation at sea, embodying the wish for prosperous business and the "Chitose" (thousand years) of lasting happiness for their customers.
The Sake
Reviving the Brewery in 2009
Until the Showa era, the brewing team at Matsui Shuzo had always come from Kasumi, Hyogo. Facing an era without a Master Brewer (Toji), the 14th head, Yasuo Matsui, made the monumental decision to revive the craft in 2009. Fortunately, the ancient well had cleared, providing pristine water once again. To ensure a stable supply, a second well was dug, fortifying the brewery’s foundation.
The eldest son, Shigeki Matsui, was recalled from Tokyo to lead the revival. Through the bond of being university alumni, the giants at Kizakura Co., Ltd. offered their full support, teaching him the fundamentals of brewing at their "Misu-gura." Upon the completion of the "Kamogawa-gura" facility, the renowned Noto Toji, Ryozo Michitaka, was invited to provide two years of intensive mentorship.
In 2012, Shigeki stepped up as the "Kuramoto-Toji" (Owner-Brewer). In 2019, he became President, officially inheriting the ancestral title: "The 15th Matsui Jiemon." This name is a testament to his vow that the fires of the Matsui brewery shall never go out.
From Matsui Shuzo
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