Founded in 1675, Masuda Tokubei Shoten is one of the oldest sake breweries in the Fushimi area of Kyoto.

The road that runs between the main house and the brewing facility also happens to be the ancient road that ran from the southern end of a 7th century town (Heian-kyo) to the mouth of the Yodo river. Though it is now a sealed road thanks to modern technology, it was originally constructed in the Heian-kyo period.

Family crests in the shape of a masu box (the iconic Japanese square wooden drinking cup) are still popular today.

Masuda Tokubei Shoten was a sake brewery and also provided lodging for nobles. The Famous sake brand “Tsuki no Katsura” was named after a poem written by a nobleman who stayed there.

There are also old cannon shells from the historic battle of Toba-fushimi discovered in the garden of the 350-year-old Masuda family home.

The 14^th generation owner, Tokubei Masuda, revied the unrefined sake that had been forgotten since the Meiji era and made it a hit, preserving the traditions of this long-established store. He has already handed over the position of president to his eldest son. So now he is chairman.

Tokubei-san is always taking on new challenges, and as such has had many failures. He is a truly charming person, and he laughs as he talks about some of his failures.

He also listened intently to Shiozawa’s activities to convey Japan’s excellent spirituality through art, and we were able to share what we can do together for the future.