SOTENDEN by Kesennuma Otokoya Honten, Miyagi

Beautiful coastal brewery from Kesennuma, Miyagi, on the eastern coast of Japan. The brewery was founded in 1912, with their main company building being designated a national Tangible Cultural Property. Unfortunately, the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 triggered the tsunami that destroyed the building. The tsunami stopped a few meters shy of the sake brewery, which emerged unscathed; with sake brewing recommencing the day after the earthquake despite the calamitous damage all around. The family sought to restore the pride of Kesennuma.

Today, as always, they go about the daily business of brewing sake that makes the most of their local resources, complements the local cuisine, and is beloved by consumers in the local area, throughout the country, and beyond.