Marukai Junzo Selection

About Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Japanese Alps. Its name, meaning "long field," reflects its vast valleys and mountainous terrain. The region is home to some of Japan’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, including Kamikochi, the Kiso Valley, and Jigokudani, where snow monkeys bathe in hot springs.

Nagano is famous for its local specialties, such as Shinshu soba, oyaki dumplings, and crisp, juicy apples. The region's pure mountain water makes it ideal for sake brewing, with a history dating back to the Edo period. With over 80 sake breweries, Nagano produces a diverse range of flavors, from rich and full-bodied to light and aromatic.

The prefecture is divided into several distinct areas, each offering unique cultural and natural attractions. Matsumoto, home to the historic Matsumoto Castle, preserves samurai-era charm, while the Suwa region is known for its ancient shrines and vibrant festivals. Nagano City, the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, remains a hub for skiing and outdoor activities, attracting visitors year-round.

As a land of deep history and natural beauty, Nagano continues to embrace its traditions while thriving as a premier destination for outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and cultural heritage.

About

Junzosen Fruits Nigori Sake is the result of a rare collaboration between two leaders in their fields— Marukai Foods, a renowned Japanese juice manufacturer, and Kikusui Sake Brewery of Nagano, a long-established sake producer with deep roots in traditional brewing.

Founded in 1951, Marukai Foods has remained dedicated to sourcing and processing Japan’s finest fruits. With an unwavering focus on quality, food safety, and traceability, Marukai manages everything from juice extraction to packaging in-house. Their advanced, oxygen-controlled process preserves the freshness and natural flavour of each fruit, delivering juice that tastes as if it were freshly picked.

Established in 1881, Kikusui Sake Brewery has been brewing sake in the heart of Nagano for over 140 years. Known for their elegant and smooth style, Kikusui uses soft alpine water and carefully selected rice to craft sake that is both rooted in tradition and refined through innovation.

The Junzosen Fruits Nigori Sake series brings together the strengths of both producers. By blending Kikusui’s creamy, unfiltered nigori sake with Marukai’s 100% premium fruit juice, this sake offers a rich, aromatic, and naturally sweet profile that redefines fruit-infused sake.

Today, Junzosen Fruits Nigori Sake represents more than just a beverage—it’s a celebration of Japanese craftsmanship, regional pride, and the power of collaboration between two masters of their craft.