220-year-old island brewer awarded international sake prize

A brewery that has been making sake on Kurahashi Island since 1806 received the highest award in its category at the sake edition of the 2026 International Wine Challenge (IWC) last night.

IWC is one of the world’s largest alcoholic beverage competitions, and Saijo in Higashihiroshima hosted the sake division, May 18-21. 1,738 brands, submitted by 457 breweries, were judged across 11 categories.


Mitani Haru Umeshu Jun from Hayashi Brewery in Kurahashi was recognized as the winner of the newly-added Flavoured and Fruit-Infused Sake category at the awards ceremony held in Hiroshima City on May 22. 



Mitani Haru Umeshu Jun is made with plum extract, extracted using a unique method from plums harvested in Akitsu, and has a pleasant, sweet taste with a rich plum aroma and a soft flavor. Their premium, limited-batch Daiginjo Umeshu is made with plums grown on Kurahashi Island and 100% Japanese wasanbon sugar, which gives it an elegant sweetness and smooth texture.

Hideki Hayashi, president of Hayashi Shuzo, said, “I am happy to have been recognized at a competition that is like the Olympics of sake.”

Mitani Haru Umeshu Jun retails for 2,508 yen (720ml), and Mitani Haru Umeshu Jun Premium for 4,510 yen (720ml) and 2,500 yen (500ml).

Breweries from across Hiroshima also contended in other categories. According to the IWC website,  Hiroshima producers continued to shine with softer, more textural styles balancing elegance with umami depth: a regional signature that consistently resonated with judges. Six brands from Hiroshima Prefecture were awarded gold medals.

Mitani Haru Umeshu Jun is now in the running for IWC’s top “Champion Sake” award, which will be selected from the Trophy award-winners across the 11 sake categories and announced in London, UK, in September later this year.

Hayashi Shuzo [林酒造株式会社]

Website: https://hayashi-shuzo.com/