Kimura Brewery, established in 1615 in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture by a family of high-ranking samurai, is the second-oldest brewery in Akita and produces the Fukukomachi brand through an entirely handcrafted process in which machines play no role in the critical decisions of fermentation. The brewery draws water from Chikara Mizu, a mountain spring in Yuzawa designated by Japan's Ministry of Environment among the country's highest-quality water sources. Over 100 prizes at the Annual Japan Sake Awards since 1911, including the International Wine Challenge Champion Sake in 2012, confirm Kimura's standing as one of Akita's most decorated producers.
