Tosa-Yamada is also the home of a historic sake brewery with over 150 years of continuous operation.
Nestled in the northern edge of the Kacho Plain, along the Monobe River basin, is the historic brewery that has been part of Tosa-Yamada’s landscape since 1873. The region is rich in history, with Paleolithic ruins and geological landmarks like the stunning Ryugado Cave and Hokigamine Forest Park. Blessed with bright skies and verdant mountains, it’s an ideal setting for brewing sake.
The roots of this town can be traced back to the visionary leadership of Kenzan Nonaka (1615–1663), a Tosa Clan leader who transformed the land with a series of ambitious infrastructure projects. He built a dam on the Monobe River, dug canals, and created rice fields—all while fostering new settlements. He also installed public wells, which brought clean water to the area and encouraged families to settle here, laying the foundation for the modern town of Tosa-Yamada.
The brewery’s founder, Shokichi Matsuo, began brewing sake on this land in 1873. His eldest son, Tokutaro, eventually took over and changed the family name to “Miki” in 1892. Since then, the brewery has remained a family-run operation, passed down through generations—Ichisuke, Kotaro, Toshihiko, Shojiro, and now Sadayuki continue the tradition.
In the early days of the Meiji period, Shokichi dug a well on the property in preparation for his son’s marriage, and named his sake “Matsu no I” in honor of it. The name was later changed to “Doyo Masamune,” inspired by the “Doyo Shimbun,” a newspaper published by the Itagaki Liberal Party. As the brewery evolved, it began producing mirin under the brand “Okina Mirin” and later expanded to making shochu. However, the Great Depression of the Taisho and early Showa periods led to a scaling back of operations.
World War II brought even greater changes. The brewery was designated as a fuel alcohol factory for the Navy, though the war ended before full-scale conversion took place. After the war, under the leadership of fifth-generation president Toshihiko, the company refocused on traditional sake brewing and introduced a new brand—“Matsuokina,” a sake that symbolized longevity and was named in honor of Matsuo Shrine, the ancestral protector of sake brewers.
Rooted in place, growing through time
The story of this brewery is not just about sake—it’s about the landscape, the water, the weather, the people, and the enduring spirit of craftsmanship that defines Kami City and Kochi Prefecture as a whole. Every bottle that leaves the brewery carries with it the essence of Tosa-Yamada’s rugged mountains, pure rivers, and vibrant culture.
In a place where only 16% of the land is habitable, the will to thrive has shaped a rich tradition of resourcefulness, community, and excellence. It’s a testament to how geography, culture, and history can converge into something both deeply rooted and endlessly inspiring.
If you are interested to purchase sake from this traditional brewery, please contact us by email: orders@futonsfromjapan.co.uk
