Unveil the Profound Umami of a Junmai Masterpiece

Discover the unparalleled elegance of Shichida. Brewed by Tenzan Sake Brewery in Saga Prefecture, this exceptional sake is a Junmai that masterfully extracts the pure, natural umami of the rice grain. Delve into its visionary brewing philosophy—and uncover the essence of what makes Shichida truly exclusive.

Tenzan Sake Brewery — An Exquisite Heritage Registered as a Tangible Cultural Property The masterminds behind Shichida, Tenzan Sake Brewery, have meticulously preserved their artisanal craft in Saga—a region steeped in brewing prestige—since 1861, the dawn of the Bunkyū era at the twilight of the Edo period.

The legacy is stewarded by the Shichida family, from whom the marque draws its name. Originally operating a magnificent watermill estate, the family was approached in the early Meiji period to acquire not only the equipment of a retiring brewery but its majestic kura (brewery building) itself. Embracing this unexpected calling, whispers soon spread that “the Shichida family is crafting sake”—and thus, driven by serendipity, an extraordinary sake-making journey commenced.

Though born of chance, Tenzan Sake Brewery boasts a captivating heritage. The second-generation head brewer possessed a profound passion for architecture. Under his discerning eye, the brewery buildings, waterwheels, and canals were constructed with unparalleled craftsmanship. Today, many of these historic structures are proudly registered as nationally recognized Tangible Cultural Properties and Saga Prefecture Heritage sites—and remarkably, they remain in active, breathing use.

The Shichida family’s DNA of uncompromising dedication lives on—not solely in their stunning architecture, but infused within every drop of their sake. That relentless spirit culminates in their crowning masterpiece: Shichida.

Born of Unconventional Vision — The 75% Polishing Ratio Junmai One of Shichida’s most captivating hallmarks is its audaciously high rice polishing ratio of 75%.

The polishing ratio denotes the percentage of the rice grain remaining after milling (with the original brown rice weight standing at 100%). The more the rice is milled, the lower the percentage. (For absolute clarity, a “highly polished” grain removes more of the exterior, resulting in a lower ratio number.)

In traditional sake brewing, the outer layers of the rice—rich in proteins and fats—are meticulously milled away to eliminate impurities and cultivate a flawlessly refined profile. Brewers poetically refer to this artisanal process as “polishing.”

While table rice is milled to approximately 95%, the sake industry has long dictated that the lower the polishing ratio, the more premium the vintage. A ratio of 60% or less earns the title of Ginjo, and 50% or less, Daiginjo. Because profound polishing yields less volume and demands higher costs, the formula “lower polishing ratio = unparalleled luxury” has become the industry standard.

Shichida boldly redefines this conventional wisdom.

Its founding philosophy was pure yet audacious: If the rice itself possesses exquisite quality, shouldn’t it be possible to craft an outstanding sake without over-polishing?

Through meticulous mastery using Yamada Nishiki, the crown jewel of Japanese sake rice, the brewery achieved exactly that. Even at a 75% polishing ratio, Shichida reveals absolutely no unrefined harshness. Instead, it magnifies the profound, natural depth of the grain—culminating in an expression that is exceptionally vibrant and luxuriously satisfying.

A Pristine Finish Born of Firefly-Graced Waters Shichida is brought to life in Ogi City, Saga Prefecture—a sanctuary celebrated for its dancing fireflies. As these luminous creatures thrive solely in pristine environments, their presence is a breathtaking testament to the region’s immaculate water, the essential lifeblood for extraordinary sake.

The Gion River, gracefully winding through Ogi, gathers crystalline water from the majestic surrounding peaks. Its watershed encompasses Seisuiji Falls, honored as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Exquisite Waters.” This water is uniquely hard—abundant in vital minerals like calcium and magnesium, yet entirely free of iron—making it flawlessly suited for premium sake brewing.

Tenzan Sake Brewery channels this renowned water directly into the kura via a dedicated waterway, ensuring an uncompromisingly pure and consistent supply. This profound devotion to water perfection gifts Shichida its signature immaculate, crisp finish.

The result is a sake that is exquisitely delicate yet beautifully full-bodied, offering a luxurious richness perfectly balanced by a striking, refined edge.

Indulge in an extraordinary tasting experience—a masterpiece born of an artisanal devotion to perfect rice and pristine water.