Nigori sake brewer
にごりざけせいぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession responsible for the entire manufacturing process of nigori sake (cloudy sake), from raw material processing to fermentation, quality inspection, and filling.
Description
Nigori sake brewers handle a series of processes from sorting, washing, steaming rice and rice koji—the raw materials for nigori sake—koji making, moromi preparation, fermentation management, aging, to bottling without filtration. They maintain quality through temperature and pH management, microbial activity monitoring, and more, while also being required to manage hygiene and comply with laws and regulations. Depending on the scale, manual labor and automated lines are combined, and during peak seasons due to seasonality, long working hours and handling heavy raw materials occur. Record keeping and team collaboration are important.
Future Outlook
Demand is increasing at small-scale breweries due to the craft liquor boom utilizing traditional fermentation techniques, but population decline and successor shortages pose challenges. Efficiency improvements through IoT and automation are expected.
Personality Traits
Curious or inquisitive / Meticulous / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Factory work / Line work / Seasonal peak periods / Shift work
Career Path
Brewing assistant → Nigori sake brewer → Brewing supervisor → Brewing manager → Factory manager
Required Skills
Fermentation process management / Hygiene management / Manufacturing equipment operation / Quality inspection / Temperature and pH measurement
Recommended Skills
Automated system operation / Basic microbiology knowledge / Data analysis / Japanese sake related regulations
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To accurately manage the fermentation process and quality. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Due to handling heavy raw materials and long hours of standing work. |
Related Qualifications
- Brewing technician
- Food hygiene manager
- Liquor manufacturer license
Aliases
- Nigori sake brewer
Related Jobs
- Beer brewer
- Brewing technician
- Fermented food manufacturer
- Sake brewer
- Wine brewer