Kubota Shuzo – Where History, Land, and Craftsmanship Intertwine
In the quiet town of Maruoka, Fukui, surrounded by the majestic Hakusan mountains and the gentle flow of the Takeda River, stands Kubota Shuzo – a sake brewery that has preserved the spirit of Japanese sake-making for nearly three centuries. Founded in 1753 under the rule of Lord Arima Takazumi of the Maruoka domain, Kubota Shuzo has devoted itself to crafting sake that reflects the land, the water, and the people of its origin.
The Three Pillars of Kubota Sake
1. Local Ingredients
Kubota Shuzo takes pride in cultivating its own sake rice in Fukui’s fertile paddies. This rice, together with pristine groundwater flowing from the Hakusan mountains, forms the foundation of their sake’s purity.
2. Koji – the Heart of Sake
Koji-making is at the very core of sake brewing. At Kubota, koji is not just a step in production but a philosophy. With in-house developed koji-making equipment, the brewery ensures exceptional consistency and quality – resulting in a sake flavor profile unlike any other.
3. Generations of Craftsmanship
Today, Kubota Shuzo is led by Mr. Naokuni Kubota, the 11th generation President, who continues the mission of balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring that every bottle carries both history and modern refinement.
Innovation Through Tradition
While steeped in heritage, Kubota Shuzo embraces creativity:
- Refined brewing techniques: Some sake is pressed using the traditional “bag-hanging” method, producing elegant and nuanced flavors.
- Diverse product lines: Beyond premium sake, Kubota also produces umeshu and other fruit liqueurs made from carefully selected local ingredients.
- Community engagement: The brewery welcomes visitors, offering tours that allow people to experience the craftsmanship and philosophy behind each step of sake-making.
A Philosophy in Every Drop
For Kubota Shuzo, sake is more than a drink – it is a bridge between nature and people, past and present. Their philosophy can be summed up simply:
- 60% flavor from koji
- 10% from rice
- 10% from water
- 20% from the brewer’s skill and heart
This balance of elements results in a sake that is not only enjoyed but also felt – a true embodiment of Japanese spirit.
Why Kubota Matters
Kubota sake represents:
- Nearly 300 years of brewing history
- The harmony of local resources and artisanal skill
- A bold vision to bring authentic Japanese sake to a global audience
An Invitation to Experience Kubota
From September 28 – October 4, 2025, Kubota Fair at Yukimura will bring this tradition to Vietnam. Guests will:
- Taste authentic Kubota sake, including three labels debuting for the first time in Vietnam
- Meet Mr. Naokuni Kubota, 11th generation President
- Discover the true craftsmanship and philosophy behind Kubota Shuzo
Kubota Shuzo invites you to raise a glass and step into a story nearly three centuries in the making.