Best Seller in May: SHIELD Sobei Wase Revives a Forgotten Grain and Shonai Tradition

A Top Seller with a Story

Last month’s top-selling sake at Tatenokawa Brewery wasn’t just another elegant bottle of Junmai Daiginjo—it was a symbol of cultural preservation and agricultural revival. Tatenokawa Junmai Daiginjo SHIELD Sobei Wase 1.8L captured the palates and hearts of customers, not just for its flavor, but for the story it tells.

At the heart of this sake lies “Sobei Wase,” an exceedingly rare native rice variety from the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. Few have heard of it, and even fewer have tasted sake made from it. Once considered nearly extinct, Sobei Wase is the ancestral strain of the more widely known “Kame no O,” itself famously referred to as a “phantom sake rice” due to its scarcity.

A Revival Rooted in Shonai

Tatenokawa Brewery, deeply rooted in the Shonai region, took on the challenge of reviving this heirloom grain. Receiving just a small amount of seed rice, they enlisted the help of contracted local farmers. Over a meticulous three-year effort, they expanded its cultivation, breathing new life into a variety nearly lost to time.

This revival is more than a feat of agriculture—it’s an act of cultural continuity. Historically, farmers in Shonai practiced independent rice breeding, cultivating distinct strains tailored to their land and climate. SHIELD Sobei Wase honors this tradition, acting as both a tribute and a bridge between past and present.

Symbolism in the Design

The name “SHIELD” is no accident. The label is adorned with the “Taketaba,” a bamboo shield from the Sengoku era, fused with the “Kagome-mon,” a traditional hexagonal motif believed to ward off evil. Together, they represent protection—not just of the sake within, but of the heritage it upholds.

A Sake Made for the Table

As for the sake itself, SHIELD Sobei Wase offers a refined drinking experience. With a rich, mellow flavor balanced by smooth acidity, it enhances a wide array of dishes without overpowering them. Its gentle aroma and complex taste make it particularly versatile—ideal with umami-rich simmered dishes, tomato-based recipes, or anything with a hint of acidity.

This isn’t just a bottle of sake—it’s a testament to time, patience, and the enduring spirit of a region. For those seeking depth in both flavor and story, Tatenokawa Junmai Daiginjo SHIELD Sobei Wase is more than worth a sip—it’s worth remembering.