The Sake of Yamagata: Mount Zao's Blessing
[Trailer]
(2022/26min)
For about 300 years, Yamagata people have taken advantage of the terroir of Yamagata prefecture to brew sake. Yamagata City has been blessed with high quality water from the Zao Mountains, and three sake breweries have succeeded since the Edo period. This film focuses on the traditional sake brewing process, water, rice, craftsmanship, the characteristics of each sake brewery, and the passion of the sake brewers. It also explores the charm of Yamagata-made sake and its potential for the future.
Filmmaker
SATO Koichi
Born in 1977 in Tendo, Yamagata, Japan. His documentary film “The World’s ‘Top’ Theater” was first shown at the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival in 2017 and played at many theaters in Japan in 2019. His short documentary “Yamagata Maiko” won the honorable mention at the Japan Public Relations Competition 2020 for Best Motion Pictures. His recent film “Pickles and Komian Club” was shown as the YIDFF 2021’s opening film.
SATO Koichi
Born in 1977 in Tendo, Yamagata, Japan. His documentary film “The World’s ‘Top’ Theater” was first shown at the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival in 2017 and played at many theaters in Japan in 2019. His short documentary “Yamagata Maiko” won the honorable mention at the Japan Public Relations Competition 2020 for Best Motion Pictures. His recent film “Pickles and Komian Club” was shown as the YIDFF 2021’s opening film.