Kagamiyama Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Namagenshu Omachi

Kagamiyama Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Namagenshu Omachi (鏡山 特別純米無濾過生原酒 雄町) is a seasonal sake released in spring by Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzō in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. It is brewed using 100% Omachi (雄町) rice from Bizen, Okayama, one of the oldest recognised sake rice varieties, known for its broad structure and depth of flavour.

The sake is bottled as muroka nama genshu (無濾過生原酒), meaning it is unfiltered, unpasteurised and undiluted. It is shipped under refrigeration and requires cold storage after purchase. Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzō itself is a relatively recent brewery, established in 2007. The project emerged after an earlier brewery in Kawagoe, originally founded in 1875, closed in 2000. Local efforts to restore sake production in the city—historically known as "Little Edo" (小江戸)—led to the creation of the new brewery. Brewing operations were set up within part of a former soy sauce storehouse, using a small-scale system with only six fermentation tanks.

The brewery draws on groundwater from the Chichibu mountain range. It applies techniques associated with the Nanbu school of brewing (南部流 Nanbu-ryū), a tradition developed in northern Japan. Within this framework, it has developed a range of sake that emphasises clarity of flavour while working with different rice varieties.

This release uses Omachi rice to produce a sake with a relatively full structure, while retaining the freshness typical of unpasteurised sake. The brewing approach aims to limit bitterness and astringency, resulting in a clean profile with light acidity in the finish. The product is issued in limited quantities as part of a seasonal release. The label, printed on pink Japanese paper with red foil stamping, reflects its spring release and distinguishes it from the rest of the Kagamiyama range.

Founded in 1875 in Shintomi-cho, Kawagoe, Kagamiyama Sake Brewery was a beloved local Kawagoe landmark enjoyed by many for generations. Unfortunately, the brewery closed its doors in September 2000 due to various factors, leaving a significant void in the community. Kawagoe, known as the "town of storehouses," had lost an essential part of its heritage.

Six years later, in February 2007, in response to the strong desire of the local government and citizens to revive the Kagamiyama brand, and with the support and cooperation of all involved, Koedo Kagamiyama Sake Brewery was re-established in Nakamachi, Kawagoe. The new brewery aimed to revitalise and refine the famous Kagamiyama sake, drawing significant attention and media coverage due to the rarity of new brewery openings in recent years.

The brewery was completed on 1 February 2007, and the long-awaited sake brewing process began. The brewers at Koedo Kagamiyama are dedicated to producing the highest quality sake, meticulously managing the maturation process 24 hours a day, much like caring for their own children. By inheriting the traditions of the historic "Kagamiyama" (鏡山) brand, the brewers strive to balance tradition and innovation, creating flavours that resonate with contemporary tastes.

In September 2008, Koedo Kagamiyama was certified as an agricultural, commercial, and industrial collaboration business plan, recognising its commitment to local production and consumption. The brewery has begun producing a new type of sake rice called "Sake Musashi" in cooperation with local farmers, further strengthening its ties to the community and ensuring fresh, safe, and high-quality rice use in its sake brewing.

Kawagoe, a town that has preserved its historic charm as a former castle town of the Tokugawa clan, continues to captivate visitors with its well-preserved storehouses, shrines, and temples. Koedo Kagamiyama Sake Brewery, a new addition to Kawagoe's rich history, has gained popularity among sake enthusiasts since its founding in 2007. Benefiting from the clear, abundant groundwater of the Chichibu mountain range, the brewery utilises high-quality rice and traditional Nanbu-style brewing techniques to produce exceptional sake. With a passion for craftsmanship and a commitment to quality, Koedo Kagamiyama continues to uphold the legacy of Kagamiyama and delight sake lovers with its handcrafted brews.