Kobayashi Shuzo was established in 1872 in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, in an area historically known as Mita-mura for its beautiful rice paddies, which directly inspired the Hououbiden brand name combining phoenix and beautiful fields. Nearly every stage of production is carried out by hand or through traditional techniques, including hand-made koji, kimoto fermentation, and direct-fire steaming using a large iron cauldron, a method that produces indescribably well-balanced steamed rice. Winning consecutive gold medals at the National New Sake Competition from 2004 established Hououbiden's national reputation, and the sake is now served in JAL first class on both domestic and international routes.
