In May, the ginkgo trees that had been deciduous in winter are covered with bright new green leaves. As they sway gently in the soft breeze, you can almost feel the life within each leaf, their fresh, green cells alive with the energy of spring. Watching them dance in the wind is simply uplifting.
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As part two of Ogawa-machi, Saitama Prefecture's sake to enjoy in the spring, I would like to introduce “Ogawa no Shizenshu: Limited Namazake” a springtime-only sake by Seiun Shuzo..
This junmai sake is brewed with pesticide-free rice, carefully cultivated by local organic farmers who work the soil with dedication, using no agrochemicals or synthetic fertilizers. But sustainable farming cannot thrive without supportive partners. For over 30 years, Seiun Shuzo has worked hand-in-hand with these farmers, crafting their sake with honesty and skill, drawing out the humble yet profound blessings of nature.
The result is a pure sake with a light, transparent character—reminiscent of a spring breeze. The label is made from Ogawa Washi, a traditional handmade paper and a local heritage craft of Ogawa as you see in the photo.
Ogawa no Shizenshu, Limited Namazake
Ingredients: Rice (domestic), Rice malt (domestic)
Rice used: Contract-grown pesticide-free rice (special cultivation rice: no pesticides used during cultivation)
Rice polishing ratio: 65
Alcohol content: 15
Sake Meter Vakue: +1
Acidity: 1.8
📒Tasting Notes📒
Appearance: Pale lemon yellow, lighter than light gold. The texture is delicate and smooth.
Aroma: Gentle, soft sweetness like ramune soda, shiratama rice dumplings, uiro (traditional steamed sweets), and light syrup.
Taste: A faint sparkle on the first sip, followed by subtle, soft notes of ramune sada and yellow peach. It finishes cleanly with a crisp, refreshing aftertaste.
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This sake pairs beautifully with spring dishes such as:
– Sakura shrimp and spring cabbage tempura
– Sake-steamed white fish (like sea bream, seabass, or flounder)
– Yellow peach compote
Enjoy these seasonal flavors with this elegant spring sake. 🦐🥬
You would feel as if you are invited by Ogawa’s nature-rich mountains and its streets steeped in history—and celebrate the season with a truly special sake.
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