The traditional brewery 'Shikishima' located in Handachi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is making a comeback after 21 years and will launch a new sake product in the Korean market. The domestic import and sales will be handled by TIG.
According to TIG on the 7th, Shikishima is a famous brewery that has been in operation since the Edo period. At one time, it was regarded as a representative sake of the Tokai region, but it closed in 2000. Afterward, the 9th generation head, Representative Ito Masaru, revived the brewery.
During his grandfather's funeral in 2014, he discovered 14-year-old sake aging in the refrigerator and thought, "It's such a shame that such excellent sake is disappearing," which led him to decide to revive the brewery. Representative Ito noted, "The quality of sake starts with the water," and said, "I pay the most attention to water management."
Obtaining a new sake brewing license in Japan is very difficult. Representative Ito traveled across the country looking for dormant licenses, starting with contract brewing, and successfully restarted the formal brewery in 2021. The brewery is currently expanding beyond simple alcohol production into a local regeneration hub that includes a sake cafe, restaurant, and cultural experience space, all renovated from an old mansion and warehouse.
Shikishima offers four signature products. First, Shikishima Phoenix is a symbol of revival that restores a previously popular label. It is characterized by a subtle grain aroma and a dry finish, making it suitable for both room temperature and warmed servings. Since its limited release in 2022, it has received praise for its reasonable price and refined taste.
Shikishima Tokubetsu Junmai Yamada Nishiki is distinguished by its deep and rich umami flavor, along with a clean finish. It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including fried foods, meat dishes, and Korean cuisine, and has become a flagship product since the brewery's revival.
Shikishima Tokubetsu Junmai Yumesansui Murokana Magen Shu has the unique fruity aroma and refreshing dry finish typical of unfiltered sake. It proved its quality by receiving the Platinum Award in the unpasteurized sector at the 2025 Tokyo Sake Challenge.
Shikishima Tokubetsu Junmai Murokana Magen Shu boasts a fine carbonation, citrus notes, and a rich volume. It is a seasonally limited refrigerated distribution product.