Naohiko Noguchi designated as Living National Treasure for sake brewing

Naohiko Noguchi, a 93-year-old master brewer (toji) from Noto, has been recommended for designation as a Living National Treasure. The Council for Cultural Affairs submitted a report to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to recognize Noguchi for his expertise in ‘ginjo-zukuri’ (ginjo brewing), a traditional sake-making method.

This marks the first time a practitioner of food culture has received the designation, following a system revision that expanded the scope of Living National Treasures to include ‘lifestyle culture’ alongside performing arts and crafts. Noguchi, often referred to as the ‘god of sake brewing,’ has over 60 years of experience and is credited with leading the ginjo sake boom since the 1980s.

In addition to Noguchi, the council recommended Eiichi Takahashi of the Kyoto restaurant Hyotei for his expertise in Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and Sen'ei Ikenobo of the Ikenobo school for his mastery of Rikka (ikebana flower arrangement).