Midori-ichi satisfaction guaranteed
Being cold is not always a harm
Ikeda is keen on conserving the Kamigata (Kansai area) traditional culture such as Rakugo. It is also known as the stage for a famous Kamigata comic story, "Ikeda no Inoshishi-kai ". The story is about a man who learns that eating fresh swine meat may be a cure to his sensitivity to feeling cold. So he set off to meet Rokudaiyu, a hunter in Ikeda. His route to Ikeda starts from Dobuike-suji in Osaka, through Yodoyabashi, Ohatsutenjin, Hattori and to the rather cool Okamachi. From this story, you get the impression that Ikeda is deep in the mountains and is very cold. Actually the cool wind that blows from Nose along the Ina-gawa River arranges the perfect climate for making sake.
Sakae-hommachi has a nostalgic atmosphere. Among the houses there is one dignified, simple but elegant mansion. Near the entrance is a Japanese plum tree that blooms beautifully in spring and when you quietly open the lattice door, the rich elegant aroma of sake greets you. This is the Yoshida Shuzou Co., Ltd. that is famous for its superior brand sake, "Midori-ichi".
Each day is important
The brewery was founded in 1697 by Kamoya Heibei and has been in business ever since for over 300 years. The person who is now in charge of this traditional brewery is Yoshida Masahiro.
"Buildings and cellars in this area were destroyed by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. The only thing that was left was what was built after the fire in 1878 and I can't deny that I was devastated at the time." says Mr. Yoshida, the current president of the company. The good news was that the most important water well was completely safe. They were able to continue making "Midori-ichi" because they still had the perfect climate and high-quality water that are important in making good sake.
"According to references written in the Edo period, craftsmen would receive their daily wage and use it to pay for meals for their family. And with whatever they had left, they would buy sake. Generally that would be for 1 or 2 gou (1gou = 0.18 liters) so it wasn't so expensive. I guess you can say that it was enjoyed by ordinary people." Over the years, Yoshida Shuzou has put in great effort to continue satisfying and pleasing the general public. "Everyone does a great job but the Kuroudo may have the hardest time. Their most important job is done during the coldest time of the year, but even in other seasons, if the climate falls bellow a certain level, they have to boil hot water or use electric appliances to warm. And when we have warm winters, they have to use cold water or ice to bring the temperature down. They always have to deal with the most delicate portion of manufacturing." Although it is important to overcome new challenges in order to pass on the fabulous sake to the next generation, we must never forget that what we have now we owe to the effort that is put into the daily routine of manufacturing "Midori-ichi". That is how the flavor and rich aroma of the famous brand is secured.
How to use sake?!
'Midori' of "Midori-ichi" represents clear color and 'ichi' represents that Ikeda is the birthplace of Seishu (refined sake). The name expresses the pride they have in making good sake. Mr. Yoshida especially recommends raw sake. "You can enjoy this sake in any way. Let's say you start drinking it on the rock. The large piece of ice eventually melts in the glass while you are enjoying a long conversation, right? But even if it becomes mild, it is still fabulous. You can put it in the refrigerator and let it get really really cool and still enjoy it. Who knows? Maybe you will come up with your original style too. " The luxury of raw sake of "Midori-ichi" is that there are various ways to enjoy the rich flavor and aroma.
Drinking is not the only way to enjoy sake. Did you know that it can be used for skin lotion? Pour some in an Ochoko (small sake cup) and lavish it all over your body to retain beautiful skin. "I don't think there is any other type of alcohol that can be used in many ways like sake. " says Mr. Yoshida.
It is said that alcohol was drunk ever since humans were born. And if you look back at history, wherever there was an advanced civilization, there was high-quality alcohol that matched the climate of the specific place. In Japan, rice was made from the Jyoumon period and that is also the same time when it is said that sake made from rice was born. And Japan has various festivals and events during the four seasons where sake appears and it is a way that people get to know one another. Using sake as a tool to bring people together may be considered Japan's original.
Price is not the matter. It's up to you
"Unfortunately nowadays, women dislike to take off their shoes and enjoy an Enkai (reception) on the tatami. So many 'end-of-the-year parties' or 'New Year's parties' are held at western style restaurants. That means that the atmosphere that the sake is enjoyed in has changed over the years." Mr. Yoshida seems to have something on his mind. "It's really complicated to prepare food that really matches with sake." Today, in most cases we enjoy eating as we have a drink. To match this style and also taste the best sake, we may have to be a little sensitive about what we eat with it.
We decided to ask Mr. Yoshida the ideal way to enjoy sake. "The best way is of course to drink whatever sake you like in a way that you like it the best. The best sake depends on the preference of the drinker regardless of the price. It doesn't have to be expensive and don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that expensive sake is not worth it. If you can come across sake that matches your taste, that means you have found 'your'sake. "
It may be interesting to consider it as a journey for you to meet 'your' sake. Although you may be lucky to find one, it doesn't always mean that the sake will be your partner for the rest of your life because your preference in taste may change also. But when it comes to "Midori-ichi", the mild aroma and taste as it flows through your body is sure to satisfy anyone. It is special sake that you'd love to stick to for the rest of your life as your buddy.
So, what are you waiting for? Why not try a bottle of "Midori-ichi". It can help you in many ways.
