Ryukyu Awamori and Hanasake, the traditional handmade products of Sakimoto Sake Distillery, the westernmost distillery in Japan

Currently (2009), there are three distilleries on Yonaguni Island, and the oldest is Sakimoto Sake Distillery. In 1945, 17 people whose main occupation was agriculture invested in a joint distillery. However, on Yonaguni Island, agriculture is the main occupation, and sake distilling is a side business. Only four investors remained by the 1965s.

If nothing was done, the distilling could collapse, and the island’s hanasake culture could have disappeared. In 1971 Hajime Sakimoto decided to take up the task and established the independent Sakimoto distillery. In April 2006, Sakimoto built a new sake factory near the top of Tindahanata. It now uses an old-fashioned pot still that passes down the 600-year history of Awamori making. The handicraft methods remain in use only in this small distillery in the Yaeyama Islands. We continue to make Awamori with a small number of people who have mastered the traditional handicraft.

Emergency helicopter support seal

When you purchase Ryukyu Awamori Yonaguni sold in recycled bottles, Sakimoto Sake Distillery gives 1 yen for each bottle sold to the “Emergency Helicopter” NPO Mesh Support fund.