Encouraged by a Soy Sauce Brewery’s Journal: The Story of Tanigawa Brewery in Wajima, Noto
It all started with “Ishiru.”
After my husband returned from volunteering in Wajima, he brought back a bottle of ishiru—a traditional Japanese fish sauce. The moment we opened the lid, a rich ocean aroma filled the air. Intrigued by the powerful flavor, I looked up the producer’s name and found myself on the website of Tanigawa Brewery.
As it turns out, the ishiru was made not by Tanigawa Brewery, but by Yamasa Trading in Noto Town. Tanigawa Brewery distributes this ishiru and kindly shares recipe ideas on their website.
👉 View Tanigawa Brewery’s ishiru page
While browsing, one particular photo caught my eye.
It showed the dismantling of their soy sauce storehouse.
This was the place where everyday flavors had been created.
The sky spread wide above the empty space where a building once stood. It felt like a visual echo of something precious that was lost—yet at the same time, it conveyed a quiet strength and the will to move forward.
Inspired by the photo, I began reading the brewery’s blog: the “Oyone Diary.”
Through the diary, I followed their journey—through earthquake, flooding, and recovery. The posts were written with simple honesty, filled with courage.
👉 Read the Oyone Diary (official blog)
One line left a deep impression:
“As long as we’re alive, we’ll figure it out somehow.”
These words moved me. I was reminded how much power language can hold.
— Tracing the Journey of Tanigawa Brewery
January 2024: The Noto Peninsula Earthquake struck. Tanigawa Brewery’s soy sauce storehouse was destroyed. In the diary, Oyone-san wrote, “Everyone is safe,” and detailed their evacuation and family’s well-being.
👉 Photo of the collapsed storehouse (courtesy of Tanigawa Brewery)
January–March 2024: The family spent three months in Kanazawa. Even then, the Oyone Diary continued to share glimpses of their daily life and thoughts.
March 2025: The dismantling of the storehouse was completed. Seeing a photo of the cleared land, I felt an urge to put my hands together in silent prayer.
April 2025: Fueki Soy Sauce in Saitama offered to provide traditional wooden barrels. This wasn’t just a gesture of support—it was an act of cultural preservation. Accepting the offer, Oyone-san said, “If this helps preserve the barrel-making tradition as well, we’re happy to receive it.”
May 2025: A new community center opened near the temporary housing site. Watching daily life slowly return to Wajima brought a quiet sense of hope.
— About Tanigawa Brewery
Tanigawa Brewery was founded in 1905 and began soy sauce production in 1918. For over 100 years, they’ve protected the flavors and traditions of the Noto region.
Their signature product, Sakura Soy Sauce, remains a beloved taste of home for locals and for those who have moved away.
They also cherish Japan’s unique “koji” (malt) culture, actively engaging in:
- preserving and passing down koji traditions
- offering hands-on educational activities for children
- developing products using local ingredients
Even after the disaster, their efforts to pass on food and culture to the future continue with care.
👉 Visit Tanigawa Brewery’s official site
— With Gratitude and Respect
In writing this article, we received permission from Tanigawa Brewery to use photos from their website and Oyone Diary. Representative Chiho Tanigawa kindly shared the following message:
“We’re truly grateful to those who visit Noto and help through volunteering, or by simply spreading awareness of our current situation. That alone is a great form of support.”
Though rebuilding may take time, I now believe that sharing stories and preserving connections can lay a foundation for what’s ahead.
May the taste of Tanigawa’s soy sauce reach many hearts once again.
👉 Explore their soy sauce products here
— A Personal Note
It began with ishiru—a small bottle of fish sauce. But what grew from that was more than just flavor: it was strength, kindness, and the feeling of being connected.
I often wonder what I can really do. Whether visiting in person or staying involved in small ways, my heart continues to turn toward Noto.
I hesitated to write, unsure whether words could truly help. But I couldn’t stay silent—not after reading the Oyone Diary.
Moving forward, I want to keep sharing Wajima’s story in my own words.
To Tanigawa Brewery, and to Oyone-san—I send my deepest respect and heartfelt support.
All photos in this article are used with permission from Tanigawa Brewery. We extend our sincere thanks for their generosity.
🏠 Brewery Information
Tanigawa Brewery – 谷川醸造
Location: Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Established: 1905 (Soy sauce production since 1918)
🌐 Official Website
👉 https://www.tanigawa-jozo.com
