Eikō Fuji Junmai Ginjō Muroka Namagenshu Shooting Star

Eikō Fuji Junmai Ginjō Muroka Namagenshu Shooting Star (栄光冨士 純米吟醸 無濾過生原酒 SHOOTING STAR) is the second release in Eikō Fuji's seasonal STARS summer series, following the earlier Nanatsuboshi edition. Brewed by Fuji Shuzō in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, this limited-release Junmai Ginjō is made from Haenuki, a rice variety better known as a table rice than a sake rice. Polished to 60%, it is bottled as an unfiltered, unpasteurised, undiluted sake (muroka namagenshu), preserving its freshness and full character.

The brewery uses Yamagata Yeast, a locally developed strain prized for producing fragrant ginjō aromas while generating relatively low acidity. Combined with Haenuki rice, it creates a sake that balances expressive fruit notes with the soft, rounded umami of the rice. With an alcohol content of 16.5%, an SMV of -8, and an acidity of 1.4, "Shooting Star" offers a gentle, smooth profile while maintaining a clean finish characteristic of the yeast.

Named after a summer shooting star, this seasonal release is intended to evoke a cool, refreshing impression during the warmer months. As an unpasteurised sake, it should be kept refrigerated and enjoyed well chilled.

Fuji Shuzō was founded in 1778 in Tsuruoka-shi Ōyama (鶴岡市大山), part of Yamagata Prefecture's sake-producing Shōnai region, and has continued brewing sake for more than two centuries. Its most widely recognised brand is Eikō Fuji (栄光冨士), under which the brewery releases a range of sake from junmai and ginjō classes to limited-edition seasonal bottlings. The company also produces other labels such as Arikatō (有加藤) and Koketsu (虎穴).

Throughout its history, Fuji Shuzō has maintained a focus on traditional, handcrafted sake production, including careful selection of rice varieties, varied polishing ratios, and the tailored use of yeast strains. It is known for releasing a wide variety of expressions throughout the year, frequently adjusting ingredients and sake styles to reflect seasonal conditions and flavour goals.

During the modern era, the brewery has gained recognition both within Japan and in international markets such as the United States and Hong Kong. The brewery does not currently offer regular public tours, but its name and products remain well known among Japanese sake enthusiasts for their long heritage and craftsmanship.