Located in the northeastern part of Tochigi Prefecture, this small brewery is the northernmost in the region. Its history began in 1892, when the founder, Eisaku Watanabe—an Echigo Toji (master brewer)—started brewing sake in a rented barn owned by a local farmer. In 1912, the brewery moved east to its current location in Susaki, Ōtawara City. Inspired by the symbolism of the rising sun in the east, the brand was named Kyokukō, meaning "Rising Sun." In 1955, the brewery was incorporated and is now led by the fifth-generation brewer, Hidenori Watanabe, who also serves as the Toji. Their guiding principle is: "A true local sake is one that is loved by its people—not just made locally." Rooted in the community, the brewery aims to create sake that is part of everyday life, while also contributing to the local culture and economy.