In 1550, the Konishi family started operating in the medicinal drug business and switched to sake brewing as their main business in the early 17th century.

The innovative brewing technique of polishing all rice used in brewing originated in the city of Itami and quickly became the highest acclaimed sake in Edo -now Tokyo- during the Edo period (1603-1868). Konishi is the oldest family-run sake brewery in Japan, currently lead by 15th generation family-owner Mr Shinuemon Konishi.

Around 1635, the 2nd generation of the Konishi family -Sotaku Konishi- was carrying sake barrels on the back of a horse when Mount Fuji caught his eye. Sotaku was deeply moved by the noble appearance of the snow-capped mountain. In admiration of its purity and eternal beauty, he named his sake ‘Shirayuki’ or ‘white snow’.

This makes ‘Shirayuki’ the oldest sake brand in Japan.