Zuiyo Co.,Ltd.

Founded in 1867 (Keio 3) when first-generation Tahachi Yoshimura pioneered sake brewing in Kumamoto, previously known only for akazake.

In 1903, Kinichi Nojiro, later called the 'god of sake brewing,' arrived in Kumamoto and began guiding local brewers toward quality seishu.

In 1909, the Kumamoto Sake Brewing Research Institute was established within a section of Zuiyo's own brewery.

In 1918, Zuiyo's entry won first place nationwide at the national new-sake competition, the second such win for a Kumamoto brewery.

In 1930, Zuiyo took first place at the national new-sake competition, with Kumamoto breweries sweeping the top rankings.

In 1952, 'Kumamoto yeast' (later registered as Kyokai No. 9 yeast) was developed at the Kumamoto research institute; Zuiyo still uses it as its principal yeast strain.

In 2001, Zuiyo Shuzo Co. and Toohi Jozo Co. merged to form the present-day Zuiyo Co., Ltd.

In 2006, the company merged with Oshimaya Shoten Co., Ltd.