Seijo Ishii is bringing back a revamped version of its original summer sake, "Masumi Hana no Kaze (真澄 花野可勢)," available starting Saturday, May 16, 2026. The limited-edition release — approximately 2,700 bottles — will be sold at 214 stores that carry alcoholic beverages and through Seijo Ishii's official online shop, seijoishii.com.
A Shared Mission to Introduce Sake to New Drinkers
While Japanese sake has seen rising export figures globally alongside growing interest in Japanese cuisine, domestic consumption in Japan has fallen to roughly one-quarter of its peak. One contributing factor is a trend among younger consumers — particularly those in their 20s and 30s — toward drinking less alcohol overall.
Seijo Ishii's buyers and Miyasaka Brewing, the Suwa, Nagano-based brewery behind the brand's long-running "Masumi Nokaze" sake, found common ground on this challenge: they both wanted to make sake more accessible, especially to younger drinkers. Surveys show that people in their 20s tend to prioritize low alcohol content and food-pairing versatility when choosing sake. With those needs in mind, both parties identified potential for a lighter, approachable low-alcohol sake aimed at entry-level drinkers.
The result is a renewed take on "Masumi Hana no Kaze," a seasonal summer sake that Seijo Ishii had previously sold for a limited time until about a decade ago. The relaunched version is designed to suit modern, varied dining tables — not just traditional Japanese meals.
12% ABV Without Water Addition, Naturally Sparkling
The sake is bottled as nama (unpasteurized), locking in the natural fizz from fermentation.
Miyasaka Brewing is a prestigious Suwa brewery historically connected to the discovery of Yeast No. 7 in 1946, which laid the groundwork for modern Japanese sake brewing. Sake made with Yeast No. 7 typically develops a rich, sharp character with lively acidity.
"Hana no Kaze" uses a yeast derived from Yeast No. 7 but is crafted for a lighter drinking experience. Reaching 12% ABV — lower than the typical 15% for Japanese sake — was achieved without adding water. Instead, the brewery pressed the fermenting moromi (mash) at the precise moment it reached 12% alcohol. This early pressing (joso) preserved the flavor without dilution. Because fermentation was halted at the right moment, residual sugars from the moromi remained in the sake, creating a gently complex sweetness and pleasant acidity.
The sake was then bottled directly as nama (unpasteurized), capturing the natural carbonation from fermentation. This light effervescence refreshes the palate between bites, making it easy to continue enjoying a meal. The Yeast No. 7-derived acidity keeps the flavor lively, and the slight fizz helps cleanse the palate, allowing the next bite to taste just as good.
Pairing Picks from the Seijo Ishii Buyer
The following Seijo Ishii house-made items are particularly recommended alongside "Hana no Kaze."
Seijo Ishii House-Made Cold Tomato Cream Cappellini with Mozzarella — ¥539
The mellow mozzarella and cream sauce combined with the bright acidity of tomato pair naturally with the sake's gentle, lingering flavor.
Seijo Ishii House-Made Thai-Style Glass Noodle Salad — ¥431
The sweet-spicy aroma of sweet chili sauce in this fragrant Thai-inspired salad is brought to life by the sake's light effervescence, with each enhancing the other's character.
Seijo Ishii House-Made Domestic Pork Shumai (small) — ¥755
The umami-rich pork and sweet onion filling finds a good match in the sake's structured acidity. The gentle fizz refreshes the palate after each juicy bite, making you reach for more.
Comment from the Seijo Ishii Buyer
Teppei Hoshino, General Manager, Product Department, Seijo Ishii Co., Ltd.
"After years working with sake, I've always wanted younger customers to feel free to enjoy it. Miyasaka Brewing normally doesn't produce sake for other companies, but they've been making Seijo Ishii's original products for over 15 years. This time, a shared concern about younger people moving away from alcohol led to their support for the renewal of 'Hana no Kaze.' Drawing on our longstanding relationship and each other's expertise, we were able to create a flavor that works with the diversity of modern dining. I hope everyone — especially younger drinkers and those who don't usually drink sake — will feel comfortable picking up a bottle."
Comment from Miyasaka Brewing
Katsuhiko Miyasaka, Head of the President's Office, Miyasaka Brewing Co., Ltd.
"'Masumi Hana no Kaze' is a sake that reinterprets the appeal of Yeast No. 7, which was discovered in our brewery in 1946, through a contemporary lens. While preserving the yeast's characteristic gentle, refined aroma, soft acidity, and the umami of the rice, we aimed for a light, fresh drinking experience. We've worked to create a balance that makes the cup naturally refill itself — whether you're a longtime sake drinker or someone who doesn't usually drink it. We hope many people will enjoy it."
Product Details
| Product Name | Masumi Junmai Ginjo Hana no Kaze (真澄 純米吟醸 花野可勢) |
| Release Date | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Category | Japanese Sake (Nama / Lightly Sparkling) |
| Volume | 720ml |
| Price | ¥2,189 (tax included) |
| Alcohol | 12% |
| Ingredients | Rice (domestic), rice koji (domestic rice) |
| Availability | 214 Seijo Ishii stores carrying alcoholic beverages* |
*Not available at some smaller stores. Availability may vary by location.
About "Masumi Nokaze"
A long-standing Seijo Ishii original sake made by Miyasaka Brewing for over 15 years. Known for its full-bodied flavor, crisp acidity, and clean finish, it has been a beloved choice for many customers. Its name derives from the legendary flute "Nokaze no fue," said to have passed through the hands of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Miyasaka family, historically connected to this flute, granted permission to use the name for the product. "Hana no Kaze" is a summer seasonal edition that offers a lighter take on the "Nokaze" character.
