Gold Medal Recognition for Fukuju’s Commitment to Tradition, Innovation, and Sustainability
June 25, 2025 (Kobe, Japan) — Fukuju, the flagship brand of KOBE SHU-SHIN-KAN BREWERIES, LTD., is proud to announce that three of its distinctive sakes have received Gold Medals at major sake competitions in 2025, both in Japan and internationally. Each of these award-winning brews reflects one of Fukuju’s core values: Tradition, Innovation, and Sustainability.
Honoring Tradition: KIMOTO Junmai – Gold at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025
Fukuju KIMOTO Junmai sake, brewed using the traditional KIMOTO method, was awarded a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025, one of the world’s most respected wine and sake competitions held annually in London. The KIMOTO method, developed over 300 years ago, nurtures natural lactic acid bacteria and yeast in a slow, carefully controlled fermentation starter, resulting in a sake with deep, layered flavors. This recognition reaffirms the brewery’s deep respect for time- honored techniques and its dedication to preserving authentic flavors that connect the past and present.
Embracing Innovation: Premium Daiginjo – Gold at the Japan Annual Sake Awards
Fukuju Premium Daiginjo, brewed using the unique Tarai Koji method—where koji mold is carefully cultivated in small plastic tubs to ensure better temperature and moisture control—earned yet another Gold Prize at the Japan Annual Sake Awards, the most prestigious national sake competition. With a third consecutive win, this sake has now received a total of 21 Gold Medals at this competition. Fukuju Premium Daiginjo embodies the brewery’s commitment to craftsmanship through innovation, pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing to deliver exceptional purity and refinement.
Committing to Sustainability: Fukuju Organic Junmai “Yamada-Nishiki” – Gold at Kura Master 2025
Fukuju Organic Junmai “Yamada-Nishiki” sake was awarded a Gold Medal at Kura Master 2025, a prominent competition held annually in France that celebrates Japanese sake.
Brewed from 100% organically cultivated Yamada-Nishiki rice in Kobe Shushinkan Brewery’s Organic JAS-certified facility, this sake reflects one of the Fukuju brand’s core values: crafting sake that is not only delicious but also gentle on the environment.
Brewing the Future with You
“At Fukuju, we believe that the future of sake lies in achieving a careful balance between honoring tradition, embracing innovation, and practicing sustainability. These three award-winning sakes reflect our ongoing pursuit to create sake that resonates with today’s values while upholding the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. We are deeply grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to share the culture of sake with the world,” said Takenosuke Yasufuku, 13th generation President of Kobe Shushinkan Brewery.
About KOBE SHU-SHIN-KAN BREWERIES, LTD.
Founded in 1751 in the Mikage area of Kobe, Japan, Kobe Shushinkan Brewery has a centuries-long tradition of handcrafting sake. Its flagship brand, Fukuju, is guided by the philosophy of “brewing delicious sake without environmental impact,” blending time-honored techniques with modern innovation. Fukuju sake was the recipient of numerous national and international awards, including Kura Master, International Wine Challenge (IWC), and Annual Japan Sake Awards. Its Junmai Ginjo has been featured at official Nobel Prize events since 2008. The brewery has achieved net-zero carbon emissions in its production, obtained Organic JAS certification, and has been recognized with sustainability awards such as Japan’s EcoPro Award and the U.K.’s Drinks Business Green Awards.
