Omoya Brand
About Nagasaki Prefecture
Nagasaki Prefecture, located in the Kyushu region of Japan, is a land of scenic beauty and profound history. Perched along Japan’s westernmost coastline, Nagasaki is defined by its picturesque landscapes, featuring rugged coastlines, numerous islands, and verdant mountains. Its name evokes a sense of its geographical charm, translating to "long cape."
Steeped in cultural and historical significance, Nagasaki is best known as Japan’s gateway to the West during its centuries of isolation. It is home to landmarks like Glover Garden, symbolizing the region's international exchanges, and the Nagasaki Peace Park, a poignant reminder of the city’s resilience and hope for a nuclear-free world. The prefecture’s natural splendor is highlighted by sites like the UNESCO-listed Goto Islands and the breathtaking Unzen-Amakusa National Park.
Nagasaki's culinary culture is a vibrant fusion of Japanese and international influences, offering specialties such as champon (a noodle soup rich in local seafood) and castella (a sweet sponge cake introduced by Portuguese traders). These dishes embody the prefecture's role as a crossroads of culture and tradition.
The region balances its historical roots with modern advancements. Nagasaki has embraced renewable energy projects and conservation initiatives, ensuring its natural and cultural treasures are preserved for future generations. Its thriving tourism sector showcases not only its historical and natural wonders but also the warmth and hospitality of its people.
As Nagasaki continues to build on its storied past, it remains a unique destination where history, culture, and natural beauty converge, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich tapestry of heritage and progress.
About Iki Shochu
Recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) by the World Trade Organization, Iki Shochu stands among Japan’s most esteemed shochu brands.Like Bordeaux or Champagne for wine and Scotch or Bourbon for whiskey, only shochu meeting strict regional and production standards can bear the Iki name, ensuring international protection and quality. With origins dating back to the 16th century, Iki Shochu’s legacy began on Iki Island, where distillation techniques from the mainland were used to craft barley-based shochu.
To be recognized as Iki Shochu, it must meet strict criteria: crafted with a 1:2 ratio of rice koji to barley, brewed using the island’s natural water, and distilled and bottled exclusively on Iki Island. While many associate barley shochu with Oita, which uses barley and barley koji, Iki Shochu stands apart with its unique combination of barley, rice koji, and the island's pristine groundwater. Today, seven local distilleries on Iki Island continue to refine their craft, creating world-renowned Iki Shochu with distinctive flavors and character.
About Omoya Brewery
Nestled in the northern part of Nagasaki Prefecture, Iki Island is a haven of unspoiled nature and deep cultural heritage. Mentioned in ancient texts like Gishi Wajinden and the Nihon Shoki, this small island has long been a gateway for trade with the Korean Peninsula, earning its nickname as the "Island on the Border." Today, it stands as a proud Japanese Heritage Site.
Omoya Brewery is a testament to this legacy. Its name harks back to a time when breweries on the island were simply called “Omoya.” Honoring the island’s traditions and nature, the brewery continues to craft sake with heartfelt dedication.
The Revival of Iki’s Sake Once home to 17 sake breweries, Iki’s brewing heritage dwindled over the years. Omoya Brewery ceased sake production in 1990 but refused to let the tradition fade. While continuing with shochu production, the brewery dreamed of reviving Iki’s sake. In 2018, after 28 years of perseverance and innovation, they unveiled the Yokoyama sake series, crafted in their newly built Yokoyama Brewery.
The journey wasn’t easy. Finding the perfect water source—a vital element in brewing—took five years of searching across 15 locations on the island. Finally, nestled within the Iki-Tsushima Quasi-National Park, they discovered pristine, mineral-rich water ideal for fermentation. This water imbues their sake with a clean, rich character.
Yokoyama Sake
Crafting Perfection with Precision Yokoyama Brewery combines tradition with cutting-edge technology. Compact facilities, advanced analytical tools, and temperature-controlled fermentation ensure every batch is crafted to perfection. From 2021, all their sake has been brewed exclusively with top-grade Yamada Nishiki rice, elevating quality year after year.
Their mission? To create “a first sip that echoes around the world.” This passion has won fans globally, making Iki’s Yokoyama sake a symbol of resilience and excellence.
Chingu Shochu
The Birthplace of Barley Shochu Beyond sake, Iki is famed as the birthplace of barley shochu, with origins tracing back to the 16th century. Made with rice malt and barley, its smooth, aromatic profile reflects 500 years of tradition. Recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) by the WTO, Iki Shochu joins an elite group of regional specialties like Scotch whisky and Bordeaux wine.
Celebrate the spirit of Iki with a glass of Yokoyama sake or Iki Shochu. Each sip carries the island’s legacy, natural beauty, and the passion of its people.
