- Sawanotsuru
is one of
Japan ’s largest producers ofsake . The company was founded in 1717 and has established a long tradition since its early beginnings inNada-ku, Kobe . The region is famous for sake production as it’s an ideal location for the raw materials which includes superior rice and ‘Miya-mizu’ spring water which runs fromMount Rokkō . Sawanotsuru has won numerous Monde World Selection awards (Grand Gold Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, High International Quality Trophy and Crystal Prestige Trophy).Sawanotsuru derives its name from Japanese mythology. There was once a white crane which came to rest in the swamp near a rice field. In its beak the crane held a rice plant. The goddess Yamatohimenomikoto (倭姫), sun goddess to the present
Ise Shrine , saw the bird and the crane responded by offering her the rice plant. She was moved by the crane's gesture and ordered Isawatominokami (伊佐波登美神) to brew sake from the rice and offer it to the god. Afterwards, she cherished the crane as the god of food. The founder of Sawanotsuru heard about the story and he was so touched that he named the company Sawanotsuru meaning ‘A crane of a swamp’. "Sawa" means a swamp which provides enough water for plants and animals to live, and cranes love the swamp where they can rest, drink and then fly again. So Sawanotsuru believes just like the swamp enriches the lives of its inhabitants, their sake can enrich a person's life in a similar way.International distributors
*United Kingdom: Cathay Importers Ltd
*Singapore: Kirei Japanese Food Supply (S) Pte. Ltd.
*France: Kanae
*Germany: SSP Trade & Consult GmbH
*Italy: Wa-sabi S.r.l.
*Switzerland: Nishi's Japan ShopExternal links
* [http://www.sawanotsuru.co.jp/ Sawanotsuru official site]
* [http://www.sawanotsuru.co.jp/siryokan/index.htm Sawanotsuru Sake Museum]
* [http://www.cathayimporters.co.uk/sawanotsuru.html UK Distributor, Cathay Importers]
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