Celebrate the work of female Tojis and presidency in this International Women’s Day with 10% off our All Female Breweries Theme Bundle!

Did you know, out of all the sake breweries in Japan, only 20 of them have female master brewers? In fact, up till the 1960s, women were not allowed to set foot inside the breweries.

Here are 3 remarkable women that have made themselves a name in the Sake History, Misa Kawaishi, Rumiko Obata and Maiko Tsuji.

[Nadagiku] In 2001, Misa Kawaishi entered the family business after graduating from the Tokyo University of Agriculture, majoring in Sake brewing. She become the Toji in 2004, and in 2020, she become the CEO of Nadagiku sake brewery. She is one of the few female brewers in Japan.

[Gozenshu] Maiko Tsuji, the first woman in Okayama Prefecture, has been brewing sake since 2007, taking over after Mr. Takumi Harada as the Master Brewer. As the leader of the sake making process, she believes that the most important qualities in sake making are teamwork and maintaining the morale of her workers as feelings can directly impact the flavours of the sakes made.

[Manotsuru] Born in 1965, Rumiko Obata is a fifth generation sake brewer of Sado Island’s famed Manotsuru sake. She is currently the Executive Vice President of Obata Shuzo and is the mother of two daughters. In May 2017, she was nominated for Forbes Japan’s Local Innovator Award 2017. She is a Mistress of Sake Tasting (appointed by the Brewing Society of Japan), a member of the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association’s Demand Development Committee, and has sat on the The Council for Food, Agriculture and Rural Area Policies.

1. Nadagiku Junmai Ginjo
   A classic Hyogo style Junmai Ginjo sake with light peach fruits, firm textured fruity elements laced with a hint of mineral. A clean dry finish allows for maximum drinkability.
2. Gonzenshu Junmai 1859 Bodaimoto
   This sake has a complex nose. Muscat, Strawberries, Raspberries, Banana Bread and some notes of Vanilla. It is clear and structured. It is surprisingly dry, with good acidity and umami. It has surprisingly high astringency, with hints of ginseng & nutmeg.
3. Manotsuru Junmai Ginjo
   Sweet melon, straw, slight mineral notes, coupled with a gentle rice sweetness. Pleasant and well-textured on the palette, offering a structure and balance that only top breweries can achieve. Perfect balance between aroma and flavours.