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 hiroshima Perfecture, Japan

Morikawa Shuzo (盛川酒造) 

The Story

Great Bird and a Gentle Mouthfeel

"Hakuko" is a collective term for "Great White Birds." It represents the spirit of a pure, elegant, and grand bird soaring into the vast sky with "Koto" (Grand Ambition).
The Masterful Supporting Actor: Enhancing Cuisine and Harmony "Hakuko" never seeks to overshadow; it is a "Masterful Supporting Actor" designed to be enjoyed alongside cuisine, bringing a sense of peaceful harmony to the drinker. Rather than being overly flashy, it is a sake that reveals more depth with every sip—exceptionally drinkable with a sharp, clean finish.
The essence of "Hakuko" can be summarized in one phrase: "A Gentle Mouthfeel." This characteristic is rooted in the use of "Extremely Soft Water" and the traditional "Soft Water Brewing Method" pioneered by the master brewers of Hiroshima.

The Sake

A Tribute to the Heike Heritage and the Pinnacle of Yamadanishiki

The Itsukushima Shrine, established by Taira no Kiyomori as the guardian shrine of the Heike clan, stands as a symbol not only of Miyajima but of Hiroshima itself. Our brand "Shara-soju," inspired by the symbolic "Sal Trees" from The Tale of the Heike, embodies our aspiration to be the definitive sake representing the soul of Hiroshima.

Every drop of "Shara-soju" is crafted using 100% Yamadanishiki harvested from the prestigious Toku-A district of Yoshikawa-cho, Hyogo Prefecture. This king of sake rice is meticulously brewed with pristine spring water from Mount Noro in the Setonaikai National Park, guided by the heartfelt dedication of our master brewers.

"Shara-soju" is designed as an "extraordinary sake"—a masterpiece reserved for special occasions and elevated spirits, offering a drinking experience that transcends the everyday.

The Sake

The Core Beliefs of Hakuko

"Fueki" (Immutability) represents that which must never change. It is the pristine water of Mount Noro, the unique terroir, and the lineage of people and the brewery that have brought us to this moment. "Ryuko" (Fluidity) represents that which must constantly evolve. It is our unwavering belief in the potential of "Hakuko" sake—a commitment to perpetual transformation through continuous trial, error, and refinement.

Brewing Water: The Magic of "Extremely Soft Water"
Brewing water is the most vital element in the craft of sake. We utilize high-quality underground water sourced directly from the Mount Noro system within our brewery. Hiroshima is a region blessed with soft water, naturally low in minerals, which is exceptionally effective at drawing out the "Umami" of the rice. Even within this soft-water region, our brewery uses what is considered one of the most "Extremely Soft Waters" available. This results in the hallmark of Hakuko: a sake that fully captures the richness of the grain, offering a mellow, savory, and profound flavor profile.


From Morikawa Shuzo