The Secret Story of the Maker

The name of the shochu ‘Rokuchoshi’ comes from the folk song ‘Kuma’s Rokuchoshi,’ which begins with "Kuma's famous place is aoi-gate~," an essential song for local celebrations. The rhythm of the shamisen（the Japanese string instrument) also is called ‘Rokuchoshi.
When you pass through the front door of the stately wooden headquarters of the Rokuchoshi-syuzou, you will find a display that resembles a museum. Shield plaques, certificates of merit and awards from national and international sake/shochu competitions are on display, as well as beautiful original paintings and calligraphy of shochu labels.
The ‘Tokugin Rokuchoshi’ series of shochu labels were designed by Keisuke Serizawa, a living national treasure and a pioneer of stencil resist dyeing. The labels, colored in blue, red, and yellow according to the number of years the shochu has been aged, are eye-catching on the shelves. The label for the shochu ‘Shingetsu’ was designed by the Western-style painter Morikazu Kumagai, who declined the Order of Cultural Merit in 1967. The calligraphy of Mr. Morikazu Kumagai is printed on the label of another shochu ‘En’ also made by Hongin Rokuchoshi.  
                        
Hideo Yoshino, born in Meiji era, wrote a poem after drinking "Take-no-tsuyu" (the predecessor of Rokuchoshi) that says, "I will never forget the goodness of Kuma shochu in the Land of Hinokuni" (former name of Kumamoto). Many other writers have left poems and phrases in praise of Kuma Shochu as well. "Shochu is not just a luxury; it is a part of the local culture," President Ikebe proudly states. Rokuchoshi-syuzou will continue to be savored along with the culture of the Hitoyoshi Kuma region.