6th Generation Brewer Sato Jumpei's Resume
"KODAKARA" & "TATENOKAWA" ("TATENOKAWA" Newspaper 10/04/2015）
Welcome, and thank you once again for taking the time to read the "TATENOKAWA" newspaper.
Since 2007, we have been focusing on the sales and production of our "KODAKARA" line of liqueurs, which are made from fruit juice and yoghurt produced locally here in Yamagata prefecture. In 2010, the shipment volume actually surpassed that of sake, and in 2012, the number of koku produced was as much as double.
I myself never thought that the liqueurs would achieve this kind of growth, but in order to satisfy the demand from suppliers and eateries alike, we invested in new equipment: to facilitate a stable supply structure, and with a view to establishing the liqueurs as a pillar of the company brand.
However, in contrast to the strong success of the liqueurs, deep down I really didn’t feel too happy – I was almost fearful of the fact that a new business had really gotten off the ground – and didn’t want to get too carried away. And so, I spent my days agonising over the desire to “establish a similarly strong brand for the sake”. Neighboring breweries would often say to me “You are a bit like a liqueur factory now, "TATENOKAWA"” which would leave me feeling frustrated.
As I am sure you are aware, Yamagata prefecture does not suffer from a lack of very powerful regional sake brands. I puzzled over how to rise above such fierce competition and make "TATENOKAWA" into a brand with a greater presence, one that the next generation and my grandchildren’s generation can hold their head up high and take over the reigns of.
6th Generation Brewer Sato Jumpei
