The Story
128 Years of Tradition
Founded in 1892 (Meiji 25) by Yososaku Obata in the historic town of Mano on Sado Island, Obata Shuzo has dedicated over 128 years to the art of handcrafted, craft-style sake brewing.
Our guiding philosophy is "Shihou Wajo" (Harmony of the Four Treasures).
This ethos takes the three traditional pillars of sake brewing—Rice, Water, and People—and integrates a fourth essential element: Sado, the very land where our sake is born. We believe true excellence is achieved through the harmonious balance of these four treasures. This unity is proudly represented by our family crest, the "Yotsume" (Four Eyes), which symbolizes the intertwining of these foundational pillars.
The Sake
A Microcosm of Japan and an Ecological Sanctuary
Sado Island, the birthplace of "Manotsuru," is renowned as a "Microcosm of Japan" due to its rich diversity of history, nature, and culture. Here, the endangered Crested Ibis (Toki) soars above fields cultivated with deep respect for the Earth. To protect this delicate ecosystem, our partner farmers practice environmentally conscious agriculture under the "Living with the Crested Ibis" certification, minimizing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
Our craftsmanship centers on Sado-grown Gohyakumangoku and the Niigata-exclusive Koshi-Tanrei. Notably, we utilize the "Oyster Shell Farming Method" pioneered by Sado Aida Rice Farming, where irrigation water is filtered through oyster shells to harness the power of microorganisms. We also collaborate with esteemed local farmers—Mr. Nagahara, Mr. Tanaka, and Mr. Honma—to secure Sado’s only crop of Yamada Nishiki, resulting in sake brimming with local character.
The Sake
Gakkogura (The School Brewery)
Nishimikawa Elementary School, once celebrated for having "the most beautiful sunset in Japan," was forced to close its doors in 2010 due to depopulation. In 2014, we breathed new life into the facility, transforming it into "Gakkogura" (The School Brewery). Here, we conduct brewing during the spring and summer months under the motto "All Sado Made." This commitment extends beyond our local rice; we have installed solar panels to power our brewery entirely with Sado-produced renewable energy.
True to its origins as a place of learning, Gakkogura continues to serve the community through our "Sake Brewing Experience Program" and the "Gakkogura Project"—a one-day workshop dedicated to envisioning the future of our region.
From Obata Shuzo
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