Nanbu Bijin Brewery
Nanbu Bijin Brewery (also known as Kuji Shuzo) is located in Ninohe City in Japan. History. In 1902, Nanbu Bijin Brewery was first established as only a sake retailer. Then, in 1915, it was licensed to brew sake. Its name comes from a combination of words: "nanbu" stands for the region, and "bijin" for beautiful woman. The current "tōji" (Kanji: 杜氏 Hiragana: とうじ), or master sake brewer, is Hajime Yamaguchi. In 1992, Hajime was selected by the Ministry of Labor as one of the 100 Great Craftsmen. Currently, Kuramoto Kuji Hideo and his son, Kuji Kosuke, are  active in the business and employ about 25 people. Kuji Kosuke is slated to be the 7th generation of the Kuramoto family. Kuji Kosuke. Kuji Kosuke was born May 11, 1972. He graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture's Department of Brewing and Fermentation. In 2005, he receive the Iwate Prefecture Young Distinguished Technician Award. In 2006, he became a member of the board of trustees of Fukuoka High School. In popular culture. In the movie, "Kampai! For the Love of Sake", the brewery is discussed.