Founded in 1946, Jōkigen was established through the merger of five breweries: Otokoyama, Yōrō, Fujiya, Senri-i, and Tama-no-Kawa. It remains the only brewery still operating in the center of Sakata City. From the beginning, Jōkigen has specialized in kimoto-style and ginjo-style sake brewing, maintaining a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The brewery’s origins trace back to a wealthy landowner who began brewing simply to enjoy delicious sake himself. Located in the Hiyoriyama area of Sakata, known for its excellent water quality, the brewery combines local spring water with water from nearby Yahata Town to create ideal conditions for sake production. What sets Jōkigen apart is its extensive use of a wide variety of sake-specific rice and yeast strains. In recent years, the brewery has even established its own yeast cultivation facilities and actively develops house yeasts. This dedication allows them to craft sake with distinct flavors and aromas tailored to different consumer preferences.