Iwao

Takai Co., Ltd. was founded in 1729 by Sakuemon Takai, an Omi-Hino merchant, and has been brewing sake in Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture, for nearly three centuries. The brand name Iwao comes from Iwao Oyama, the nephew of Takamori Saigo, and the brewery draws on hard well water from the Samba River, which originates at the eastern foot of Mount Mikabo, giving the sake a distinctive mild acidity and refreshing character. Alongside sake, the company maintains a long history in soy sauce and miso production, reflecting its deep roots in Gunma's fermentation culture.