Tankaisu Co.(淡海酢有限会社)

Shiga Prefecture’s Only Traditional Vinegar Brewery Preserving the Legacy of Natural Brewing

Located in Katsuno, Takashima City, Shiga — a historic former castle town steeped in tradition — Tankaisu Co. is the only vinegar brewery in the prefecture that continues the centuries-old tradition of vinegar making dating back to the Edo period.

Though the production of brewed vinegar ceased during wartime, it was revived and is now faithfully preserved by the third-generation owner, who continues to uphold both the craft and the spirit of vinegar making. Using a traditional natural brewing method reconstructed from ancient documents, the company produces and sells a variety of vinegar products, including its flagship Oumiseki Genmai (Traditional Brown Rice Vinegar), beloved not only in Shiga but by customers across Japan.

Two Carefully Selected Ingredients: Subterranean Water from the Hira Mountains and Locally Grown Organic Rice

Water and rice — these are the key elements that determine the quality and flavor of vinegar. They uses the rich underground water from the Hira mountain range, which imparts a subtle sweetness and smooth taste to the final product. The rice used is organically grown “Takashima Ikimono Tanbo Mai” (Living Rice from Takashima Rice Fields), cultivated without pesticides by local farmers. With strict quality standards and a commitment to small-batch production, the company aims to bring out the natural deliciousness of each ingredient to the fullest.

Handcrafted Vinegar Made with Time and Care

Eschewing mass production, each bottle is made with dedication and careful attention. The company cultivates its own koji mold, combines it with steamed brown rice, and adds yeast for alcoholic fermentation. Afterward, acetic acid bacteria are introduced for static fermentation, allowing the vinegar to mature slowly through the power of nature. This process takes over ten times more time and effort than mechanical fermentation, but the result is a mellow, deeply flavorful vinegar.

Every detail is attended to with great care so that customers can use our vinegar with complete peace of mind. This is the guiding principle of Tankaisu Co.