The current iteration of the brewery was launched in 1922, but the story goes back to the early 1700s. Initially, Toraya was opened by Sozaemon Onuma in the city of Yamagata. As years passed, the brewery’s success declined, but was later revived by eighth-generation owner Yasuyoshi Onuma. They expanded operations, which eventually led to opening the independent Sagae, Yamagata, branch of Chiyokotobuki Toraya. This brewery is committed to only using natural resources from their home prefecture, including brewing with meltwater from Mount Gassan, and working with local farmers and research groups to carefully select the best Yamagata sake rice.