This time, we spoke with Nakamura-san, the owner of Ono Sake Shop, a long-established liquor store founded in 1913.
Mr. Nakamura, manager of Ono Liquor Store, which was founded in 1913
-What kind of store is Ono Liquor Store?
I am the third generation owner of our company, which began selling sake in Hadano, Kanagawa Prefecture in 1913. In order to deliver sake that has been painstakingly crafted by brewers, we travel all over the country to offer a variety of delicious sake to our customers.
In recent years, the environment and trends surrounding alcohol change daily. The latest information and changes are particularly rapid in Tokyo, so we strive to always keep up with the latest information and incorporate new products into our store. When we first heard that sours, which are now a staple, were popular in Tokyo, we immediately started selling them, and our customers were delighted.
Currently, the store stocks over 200 different products, ranging from local sake from the prefecture to classic brands such as Dassai and Hakkaisan, as well as new styles of sake, and we are working to offer a selection that can meet a wide range of needs.
They have a wide selection of sake and shochu
-I heard that you made a sake using apples and cherry blossoms from Hadano.
With the vision of "being a liquor store that continues to challenge itself with free thinking, unconstrained by stereotypes," we are committed to activities that contribute to the revitalization of the Hadano region. One example is our "apple wine," a collaboration between apples grown in Hadano and wine. In the past, Hadano thrived in the summer, taking advantage of the basin's unique characteristics and climate. At the time, there were few regions that cultivated apples at the same time, and Hadano's apples flourished enough to be sold wholesale to restaurants in Tokyo. However, with the development of agricultural facilities, summer apple production expanded, causing a decline in demand for Hadano apples. To somehow resolve this predicament, we personally visited wineries across the country and created a Hadano-made "apple wine" that contains no added flavorings or sweeteners. We have also contributed to the revitalization of the region by brewing sake that utilizes local specialties, such as wine made with double cherry blossoms and peanut shochu. We would like to continue traveling around the country to explore all possibilities if the opportunity arises.
A long-established liquor store that has been watching the changes in the Hadano area for over 100 years
-Please tell us about your connection with Kanai Sake Brewery.
We have joined hands with Kanai Sake Brewery, the only sake brewery in Hadano, as people who share the common goal of "enlivening Hadano," and have been tackling various challenges. "Wakamizushi," a Junmai Ginjo sake brewed with rice and water from Kanagawa, is a sake created to maximize the appeal of Hadano. "Wakamizushi" was born through daily trial and error, working together with the master brewer to achieve the best flavor.
We also worked together to create "Hadano Monogatari," which incorporates "Hadano" into the name. We asked a local priest in Hadano to write the characters on the label, which expresses the essence of Hadano. Now, it is popular as a souvenir for tourists and as a mid-year or year-end gift for Hadano residents.
It is my pride to see the beloved Kanai Sake Brewery thrive, and I will spare no effort in taking on any challenges in the future. Because it is such delicious sake, I hope it will be promoted nationwide as a symbol of regional revitalization and lead to the prosperity of Hadano.
"Wakamizu" is a Junmai Ginjo sake made with rice and water from Kanagawa.
Nakamura came up with the name "Hadano Monogatari" to convey the charm of Hadano.
-Finally, please tell us about the charms of Hadano that you know only because you were born and raised in Hadano.
Hadano is a region rich in nature, surrounded by spectacular views of the Tanzawa Mountains and Mt. Fuji. My favorite view of all is the majestic Mt. Fuji as seen from the front carriage of the Odakyu Line train heading from Hadano to Shibusawa. Also, when driving through Hadano city from the national highway, you can get a panoramic view of the Tanzawa Mountains and basin. These views are an irreplaceable attraction that cannot be experienced anywhere else. As a Hadano citizen, I will strive to promote the appeal of the region, and I hope to continue to protect this beauty for the future.
Introduction to Ono Liquor Store
Founded in 1913, this long-established liquor store specializes in sake, carrying a wide selection of sake and authentic shochu from all over Japan. They also carry a wide selection of Kanai Sake Brewery sake. They also offer nationwide delivery.
Store name: Ono Liquor Store
<br>Address: 2-9-9 Honmachi, Hadano City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Contact: 0463-81-0530
Business hours: 9:00-19:00
<br>Closed on Wednesdays
Access: 12 minutes walk from the north exit of Hadano Station
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