Dewazakura Sake: The Brewery That Helped Bring Ginjo to the Public

Today, fragrant ginjo sake is easy to find in Japan and overseas. In 1980, however, few everyday drinkers knew the word “ginjo.” Dewazakura is a sake brewery founded in 1892 in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, in Japan’s northern Tohoku region. It is best known for Oka Ginjo, released in 1980 to bring competition-style ginjo to ordinary drinkers. So why does one bottle from 1980 still matter? This guide follows that story, from the brewery’s roots to its export push in 1997. Along the way, it covers ginjo aroma, prices, food pairings, and how to pick a bottle you’ll enjoy. TOCWhat Is Dewazakura Sake? Dewazakura is both a sake brand and the brewery behind it, based in Tendo in central Yamagata. Its signature Oka Ginjo, from 1980, helped make fragrant ginjo something everyday drinkers could buy. The name itself is easy to unpack, too. Dewa is the old name for the region, while sakura means cherry blossom. Quick Facts BreweryDewazakura Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. LocationTendo City, Yamagata Prefecture FoundedNovember 1892 Signature sakeOka Ginjo, released in 1980 Oka Ginjo specsGinjo, 50% polishing ratio, Japanese rice, 15% ABV ExportsFull-scale exports began in 1997 Known forFragrant ginjo an...