Nakano Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1844 (Koka 1) by Tomijiro Oguri, who was granted the sake brewing license by Matazaemon Nakano, founder of the Nakano vinegar shop (now Mizkan).

In 1909, the fifth-generation Matazaemon Nakano partnered with the Takimoto family of the historic Sessan brewery to establish Marunaka Sake Brewery, reviving Kunizakari from financial crisis.

In 1920, the haiku poet Hekigoto Kawahigashi stayed at the Kunizakari brewery during a visit to Handa and brushed the calligraphy used on the Kunizakari label.

In 1944, the Tonankai earthquake struck; the brewery's sturdy kura withstood the damage and still stands today.

In 1959, Typhoon Vera (Ise Bay Typhoon) caused major damage across Handa, but the brewery's kura endured.

In 1977, the company obtained a wholesale liquor sales license and began full-scale expansion of the Kunizakari brand.

In 1985, following completion of a new brewery building, the old kura was reopened as the 'Sakenobunkakan' (Sake Culture Museum) to convey the tradition and philosophy of sake making.

In 1990, the company changed its name to the current Nakano Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Nakano Shuzou).