We have been to Niigata many times as we love the pref.
Today we heard a sad news.
Takarayama Sake Brewery Co., Ltd., a historic sake producer based in Nishikan Ward, Niigata City, has filed for bankruptcy proceedings, as confirmed by the Niigata District Court on July 19, 2024. According to Teikoku Databank's Niigata branch, the company is burdened with debts totaling approximately 220 million JPY, driven by declining demand for sake and challenging financial conditions.
Takarayama Sake Brewery, founded in 1885 (Meiji 18) and incorporated in 1953, has a long-standing reputation in the industry. Located at 1380 Ishize, Nishikan-ku, Niigata City, it employs eight staff members, including four kurabito (brewery workers). The brewery is known for producing its flagship sake brand "Takarayama" as well as amazake and liqueurs, using the pure underground water of Mount Yahiko's Tabozan.
Over the years, Takarayama Sake Brewery has received numerous accolades, including multiple awards from the Kanto Shinetsu Tax Bureau's Sake Appraisal and Gold Prizes at the National New Sake Appraisal. Notably, its toji (master brewer), Chouichi Aoyanagi, was honored with the Medal with Yellow Ribbon in 2005.
The brewery is strategically located near popular tourist destinations such as Yahiko Shrine and has historically attracted visitors through sake brewery tours, which can be arranged by reservation and include sake tasting. At its peak, Takarayama recorded annual sales of approximately 261 million JPY in the fiscal year ending June 1995, boosted by direct sake sales to tourists.
However, in recent years, the brewery has faced a downturn as consumer interest in sake waned. Efforts to expand sales through online channels did not suffice to reverse the decline, with annual sales dropping to around 100 million JPY by the fiscal year ending June 2023. Persistent deficits led to mounting debt, and the company struggled to manage loan repayments from financial institutions. The situation was exacerbated by the president's health issues, ultimately necessitating the bankruptcy filing.
Despite the financial turmoil, Takarayama continues to sell its remaining stock of sake while actively seeking a buyer for the business. The future of the "Takarayama" brand remains uncertain as the search for a potential acquirer continues.
Source: BSN, Niigata TV, Takarayama brewery official site
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