Mie Takahashi Pioneers Women in Sake Brewing

Mie Takahashi, a pioneering female toji at her family's 150-year-old Koten sake brewery in Nagano, Japan, is among a small group of women breaking into the traditionally male-dominated sake industry. Historically, women were largely excluded from sake production due to cultural and religious practices, but these barriers are slowly diminishing. Takahashi emphasizes passion over gender and utilizes modern equipment to manage labor-intensive tasks, which were once deemed unsuitable for women. The sake industry faces declining demand, prompting Takahashi to innovate with new brewing techniques and limited-edition offerings to attract broader markets. Her brother, Isao, supports these creative ventures, highlighting a collaborative effort to sustain their family legacy. The rise of female toji, now numbering 33 in Japan, marks a significant shift in the industry, which has a history of over a thousand years rooted in Shinto traditions.