Disseminating the appeal of Japanese sake.

Yonezawa Sake Brewery in Nakagawa Village, Nagano Prefecture—once at risk of closure due to a lack of successor—was revived under the stewardship of kanten (agar) manufacturer Ina Food Industry, gaining new life and purpose. Its sake brewing, which involves cultivating rice to preserve the region’s terraced paddies and collaborating closely with both employees and local residents, goes far beyond the typical framework of an M&A—it is a heartfelt endeavor born of deep commitment. Their vision extends well beyond financial gain. They aim to build a future where happiness and pride circulate for the next hundred years. “Just as a family does not exist solely for profit, a company—where we spend most of our lives—should also be a place with room for play and reflection. It’s this sense of openness that forms the foundation for longevity,” says President Hidehiro Tsukakoshi. From the heart of the Ina Valley, a new model for nurturing local sake culture is emerging.