Founded in 1905 in the Yahatanishi-ku region of Kitakyushu, Japan, Mitsuwa Shoyu Brewery—operated by Tone Shoyu Brewery—is a historic soy sauce manufacturer rooted in over a century of traditional craftsmanship. The company is now led by fifth-generation brewmaster Tetsuya Tone, who continues to preserve the distinctive Kyushu-style soy sauce making tradition while embracing innovation in product development and global outreach.
Core Business
Mitsuwa Shoyu Brewery specializes in the production of authentic Japanese soy sauces with a unique sweet profile, characteristic of the Kyushu region. The brewery has maintained its original brewing methods using large cedar vats, a rarity in modern times, allowing for natural fermentation that results in rich umami flavors. This slow and careful brewing technique differentiates Mitsuwa from mass producers and aligns with the increasing global demand for artisanal and heritage-based condiments.
Product and Service Offerings
Mitsuwa Shoyu Brewery offers a curated portfolio of traditional and specialty soy sauces and condiments:
- Sweet Low-Salt Soy Sauce – Signature Kyushu-style, lower in sodium but high in depth and sweetness.
- Traditional Soy Sauce (Koikuchi) – Brewed in cedar barrels using aged methods.
- Ponzu Sauce – A citrus-infused soy sauce perfect for sashimi and salads.
- Red Sea Bream Soy Sauce – Infused with the umami of red sea bream for premium flavor enhancement.
- Innovative Collaborations – Mitsuwa has also ventured into unique applications such as soy sauce ice cream, capturing media attention internationally.
Specialisation and Core USP
Mitsuwa’s unique selling proposition lies in its preservation of ancient brewing traditions using wooden barrels (kioke), natural fermentation, and the use of Kyushu’s local ingredients. The brewery stands out for:
- Maintaining over 100-year-old brewing barrels, contributing to microbial complexity and depth of flavor.
- Creating lower-salt soy sauce without sacrificing taste—ideal for health-conscious consumers.
- Securing a niche in premium and artisanal soy sauces recognized both in Japan and internationally.
Financials
Exact revenue figures for Mitsuwa Shoyu Brewery are not publicly disclosed due to its private ownership structure. However, reports indicate steady year-on-year growth owing to international exposure through exhibitions and rising demand for craft soy sauces in Western markets.
Shipment Data
Based on data from platforms like Volza and Trademo:
- Mitsuwa Shoyu Brewery has recorded international shipments to the United States, Singapore, and parts of Europe.
- Estimated average export volumes range between 5 to 10 metric tons annually, primarily of bottled soy sauce.
- Recent records show participation in California Restaurant Show and exports through distributors focusing on Asian gourmet sauces.
Target Market
Mitsuwa targets:
- Japanese restaurants and sushi chains abroad requiring authentic ingredients.
- Health-conscious gourmet consumers seeking natural and low-sodium soy sauces.
- High-end specialty retailers focused on artisanal, clean-label food products.
- Culinary innovators in ice cream and dessert industries experimenting with umami flavor pairings.
Capabilities
- Small-batch production ensuring high-quality control and consistency.
- In-house R&D and product customization for export markets.
- Scalable packaging solutions from bulk foodservice to retail bottles.
- Multilingual support and participation in international exhibitions.
Certifications and Compliance
- Certified under Japanese Food Sanitation Act regulations.
- Export-ready documentation and compliance for the USDA, EU, and FDA standards.
- All products labeled with full allergen information and nutritional values per destination market requirements.
Customer Testimonials
- "This is the best soy sauce I’ve ever tasted. The sweetness and depth are unmatched." – Chef at Michelin-starred restaurant in California (via trade show feedback)
- "Our customers always ask for more once they’ve tried Mitsuwa’s ponzu." – Retail distributor in Singapore (as per distributor feedback)
Major Achievements
- Featured in California Restaurant Show showcasing Japan’s premium food exports.
- Media coverage by Asia News Network for innovative soy sauce ice cream concept.
- Recognized as a heritage soy sauce brewery by multiple Japanese culinary organizations.
- Continued family ownership for five generations, emphasizing quality and tradition over mass production.
Mitsuwa Shoyu Brewery continues to uphold its legacy of excellence and integrity in traditional Japanese soy sauce brewing while catering to a growing global palate that values authenticity, health, and artisanal craftsmanship.
