Nestled in the mountain village of Kanagaso, in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute brews sake using pure sub-soil water that flows from Mt. Kanabo, under the quiet watch of a guardian Kannon statue.

Founded to honour the legacy of master brewer Naohiko Noguchi — who became a toji (master brewer) at just 28 and is revered as one of the “Four Guardians of Heaven” of the Noto Toji Guild — the Institute brings together deep tradition and modern precision in pursuit of extraordinary sake.

Now 96 years old, Naohiko Noguchi is widely regarded as one of Japan’s greatest living toji. Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1932, he began brewing at just 16, quickly rising through the ranks to shape the future of premium sake. Over the years, he has been instrumental in establishing high-quality sake across a number of Japan’s most respected breweries, mentoring generations of brewers and leading the modern revival of the Yamahai method.

Guided by his enduring philosophy — make good sake and make people happy — Noguchi continues to work alongside a new generation of brewers at his Institute, sharing decades of wisdom while embracing contemporary tools and technology. The result is sake that feels timeless yet alive, grounded in craft but forward-looking in spirit.

Noguchi Naohiko sake is a meeting point of time, craft and character — each bottle a reflection of care, patience, and the quiet pursuit of perfection.