Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo's New Abashiri Brewery "Hokui 44 Do" Obtains Sake License, Reviving Brewing After 45 Years

Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo's new brewery, "Hokui 44 Do," located in Abashiri City, Hokkaido, officially obtained its sake manufacturing license on October 15, 2026. This significant achievement marks the resumption of sake brewing in the Okhotsk region after an approximate 45-year hiatus. The first shipment is anticipated around December 2026, drawing considerable attention as a potential new local specialty.

"Hokui 44 Do": A New Challenge Rooted in Abashiri

"Hokui 44 Do" was established by Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo in Abashiri City with the aim of regional revitalization. By brewing sake using local rice and water in an area where sake production had ceased, the brewery is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy. The acquisition of the license is a crucial first step in this ambitious endeavor.

The Impact of Sake Brewing's Return After 45 Years

The return of sake brewing to the Okhotsk region after nearly half a century is a cause for great celebration among local residents and is poised to strengthen the regional brand. Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo has earned a strong reputation for crafting exceptional sake that harnesses Hokkaido's natural environment, and this philosophy is expected to be carried forward at "Hokui 44 Do."