Green Sake Brewing Innovations

Kojima Sohonten, one of Japan’s oldest sake breweries located in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, has introduced Toko AIGAMO. Timed to coincide with Earth Month, the launch represents a major stride in the brewery’s environmental stewardship.

Toko AIGAMO is crafted from Dewa Sansan rice grown entirely without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The rice paddies are weeded using the Aigamo Robo™, a solar-powered autonomous robot that replicates the traditional Japanese practice of using ducks to manage weeds and pests, to preserve biodiversity while eliminating the need for herbicides.

Polished to just 80%, the rice retains much of its original character, resulting in a junmai sake with a soft aroma, silky mouthfeel, and a clean, well-rounded flavor that showcases both the grain’s integrity and the richness of the local terroir. The brand aims to expand into sustainable international markets in the future.

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