Hirai Shoten, founded in 1658 in Shiga Prefecture, is one of the oldest sake breweries in the Kansai region, with the Asajiwo brand name derived from a waka poem gifted to the brewery by Prince Shogoin Miyamichihiro in 1677. Now in its 17th generation, the family continues to brew using traditional handcrafted techniques, with the brewery describing its sake as brewed slowly and with care, as if engaging with someone cherished.
