Craft + Estate Sake Portfolio

e long days and intense working conditions that have defined the kurabito’s lives for centuries have given rise to an extraordinary closeness among workers, many of whom spend their whole adult lives working for the same kura. It is the toji’s responsibility to foster and encourage these relationships in order to create a positive working environment. Over time, several sayings have been created to describe the ideal functioning of a brewery, and many continue to adorn the walls of the breweries to this day. Below are a couple examples: 蔵人家族 Kurabito Kazoku : roughly translates to “workers are family”. In the traditional system (still being practiced at some breweries to this day, including Minato Harbor), workers would leave their families and live at the brewery for the duration of the winter brewing season. After eating all of their meals together and working in tight conditions for over four months, it is not surprising that a close, family-like bond would form among the workers! 和醸良酒 Wa-jo-ryo-shu: roughly translate to “harmonious brewing, good sake”.is phrase really emphasizes the interconnectedness of the kurabito.e brewing process is precisely scheduled and needs to run like clockwork on a daily basis. Even small errors can disrupt the entire rhythm of the kura, and lead to disastrous consequences both at that time and down the line.

The kurabito at Manabito share a meal together (left).The Kurabito at the Minato“Harbor”brewery distribute the steamed rice (right).