Century-old Sake Makers' Chronicle | Unveiling the Mysteries of a Century-long Family Sake Business

Century-old Sake Makers' Chronicle | Unveiling the Mysteries of a Century-long Family Sake Business

In a captivating presentation organised by The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, and supported by Los Angeles, Rumiko Obata, the fifth-generation successor of Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery, will discuss the factors for sustaining a family business over a century and the relevance of traditional industries in the global economy.

Obata Shuzo Sake Brewery, founded in 1892 on Sado Island, Japan, is one such family-run business that has not only survived but thrived for over 100 years. Rumiko, who took over the family business at the tender age of 29, has been instrumental in its growth and its entry into the global market.

Rumiko's journey began in Tokyo, where she spent 7 years working for a movie company. However, in 1995, she returned to her hometown to take over the sake brewery. Since then, she has been committed to elevating her family business from local-and-traditional to global-and-modern.

During the presentation, Rumiko will highlight six key factors for sustaining a family business over a century:

1. Preserving Tradition While Adapting: Maintaining the core traditional methods and values of the business, especially in craftsmanship, while also adapting to changing times and market demands to stay relevant.
2. Strong Family Commitment: A deep sense of responsibility and dedication from each generation to uphold the family legacy and ensure continuity.
3. Passion for Quality: A relentless focus on product quality that builds trust and reputation over decades.
4. Listening to Customers: Being attentive to customer feedback and evolving preferences to improve products and services.
5. Educating the Next Generation: Ensuring that younger family members are well-prepared, knowledgeable, and motivated to take over the business.
6. Community Engagement: Maintaining strong ties with the local community, which helps support the business socially and economically.

Rumiko's family's MANOTSURU sake has been a testament to these principles, winning the gold medal at both the 2007 and 2015 International Wine Challenge in London, and the National Sake Competition gold medal 6 years in a row.

Guests attending the presentation will have an opportunity to taste Obata Shuzo's signature sake, but must be 21 years of age or older to participate. The presentation will be in English, with Japanese-English interpretation provided during the Q&A session.

Interested in learning more about Rumiko Obata's journey and her insights into the sustainability of family businesses? Don't miss this unique opportunity to gain insights from a fifth-generation sake brewery owner. The program is backed by a 2017 survey by Tokyo Shoko Research, LTD, which revealed that Japan has over 30,000 centuries-old companies that are family-run.

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