National Research Institute of Brewing
独立行政法人 酒類総合研究所

History of NRIB

The NRIB was established on May 9, 1904 as a national research organization concerning technology related to alcoholic beverages under the Ministry of Finance in Takinogawa, Kita-ku, Tokyo. Its aim was to conduct scientific research for the improvement and development of production techniques for alcoholic beverages, which at that time, were totally dependent on traditional methods. Since that time, we have been consistently striving for the improvement and development of brewing technologies for alcoholic beverages such as sake through scientific research and the training of professionals nationwide. Particularly in the field of microbiology, including studies on sake yeast and Aspergillus oryzae, NRIB has been a pioneer and leading contributor to the advancement of alcohol-related biotechnology in Japan.

Based on the "Relocation of National Administrative Organizations" policy adopted by the Cabinet in 1988, NRIB commenced activities in Higashihiroshima in July 1995. Moreover, as part of the restructuring of central ministries and agencies, NRIB was reorganized as an independent administrative institution in April 2001.

Photograph of formerly known as the brewing factory of NRIB
Formerly known as the brewing factory of NRIB (Takinogawa, Tokyo)
Photograph of Hiroshima
Hiroshima
1904
Established under the Ministry of Finance in Takinogawa, Kita-ku, Tokyo.
1905
  • A training course for the production of alcoholic beverages started.
  • Report No. 1 of NRIB was issued.
1909
New methods were developed for sake starter cultures.
1911
The first Japan Sake Awards was held.
1946
Sake yeast Kyokai No. 7 was isolated.
1963
The first lecture meeting took place.
1971
Non-foaming sake yeast was first bred.
1975
The deterioration mechanism of Honkaku Shochu (Japanese distilled liquor) flavor was clarified.
1977
The first Honkaku Shochu Contest was held.
1995
Relocated to Higashihiroshima.
2001
Reorganized as an independent administrative institution.
2004
The 100th anniversary of NRIB was celebrated.
2005
Whole genome analysis of Koji mold was completed by a research consortium.
2014
Our red brick brewery (Tokyo office) was designated as an important cultural property.
2015
Tokyo office was relocated to Higashihirosihima and integrated into Hiroshima office.