Kitanishi Shuzo, Ryuichiro Kitanishi x Ryo’LEFTY’Miyata: “The Essence of Manufacturing and Management Philosophy”

The 93rd episode of the JFN-affiliated national FM radio program "MUSIC TOURIST" (hosted by music producer Ryo’LEFTY’Miyata), which will begin airing on Saturday, July 11, 2026, will feature Ryuichiro Kitanishi, the 5th generation brewery owner of Kitanishi Shuzo, as a guest.

This week, we will discuss "the essence of manufacturing" with Ryuichiro Kitanishi, who took over the 130-year-old established sake brewery "Kitanishi Shuzo" from his predecessor at the age of 30 and has been leading the business with bold decisions, including the launch of the new brand "Sarai" in 2020. We will also delve into his unique management philosophy, including the overseas expansion of Japanese sake, the differences in brewing methods between wine and sake, and the family motto passed down through generations at Kitanishi Shuzo.

"MUSIC TOURIST," with its theme of "musical journeys," unravels the true nature of artists. This episode, where you can learn about the attitude of creating while preserving tradition and adapting to the changing times, is recommended not only for music lovers but also for everyone involved in business.

Broadcast Episode

Talk Theme

Starting July 11 (Saturday)

The Essence of Manufacturing

*For details on broadcast dates and times for each station, please check the program website listing the broadcast schedule.

Guest Information

Ryuichiro Kitanishi, President and CEO / 5th Generation Brewery Owner, Kitanishi Shuzo

<About Kitanishi Shuzo Co., Ltd.>

Founded in 1894 in Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture. Ageo City prospered as the fifth post town from Edo Nihonbashi on the Nakasendo highway, a land where many people have traveled and interacted over drinks since ancient times. It was also blessed with high-quality groundwater from Chichibu and was known as a renowned sake-producing region where many breweries once lined the streets.

The founding brand was "Bunraku," and the brewery historically focused on brewing light and dry sake. However, upon Ryuichiro Kitanishi's return as the fifth-generation owner, the management policy underwent a major shift, and after approximately five years, the new brand "Sarai" was launched in 2020. The brewing equipment was completely renovated, and after numerous test brews and trial-and-error, "Sarai" was born. It is characterized by a beautiful harmony of three elements: an elegant aroma, a fresh sweetness, and a sharp, crisp acidity.

Currently, "Azuma Gura" is located adjacent to the brewery, offering a space to enjoy pairings of local ingredients, soba, and Japanese sake. Kitanishi Shuzo hopes to build a future where many people visit Ageo through their sake, bringing people together and enriching the region further.

X: https://x.com/kitanishishuzo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitanishi_sakebrewery_official/

Ryo’LEFTY’Miyata (Personality)

Music Producer / Co-founder of OIKOS MUSIC

A music producer, arranger, lyricist, composer, bassist, keyboardist, guitarist, and manipulator from Tokyo.

He studied piano in his childhood and aspired to be a film composer like Joe Hisaishi, but after encountering Hi-STANDARD in the 6th grade, he decided to become a band member.

He excels at creating pop melodies and arranging music that crosses over various genres, and has provided songs, produced, and arranged for numerous artists including BE:FIRST, eill, Superfly, timelesz, sumika, Hyde, Tani Yuuki, MISIA, chevon, V6, ASH DA HERO, ALI, Hoshimachi Suisei, and RADIO FISH.

He also performs live support for many artists such as Official Hige Dandism, sumika, and BE:FIRST as a utility player.

In 2018, he began co-writing activities with international artists, developing his musical activities with an eye on the global market. In 2022, he founded "OIKOS MUSIC" to support young artists.

In 2024, he launched the artist project "cross-dominance by Ryo'LEFTY'Miyata," where artists transcending nationality, genre, gender, and generation collaborate to deliver music to the world.

X (Twitter): @LeftyMonsterP

OIKOS MUSIC: https://www.oikosmusic.tokyo

JFN-affiliated national FM radio program "MUSIC TOURIST"

A talk program where you travel through the world of music and creativity with music producer Ryo’LEFTY’Miyata. Through conversations with top-tier artists, producers, film directors, manga artists, and others across various genres, the program invites listeners into the creative world. MUSIC TOURIST features talks in the artists', producers', and creators' own words, as if you were creating a work together.

New songs will also be unveiled from encounters made on this program. In addition to collaborative songs born from talks with famous and emerging artists, the program also features collaborations with singers, players, traditional instrument performers, and amateur musicians living in the areas of the network stations. Through listener submissions, music is spun using sounds picked up during travels and "sounds from various regions of Japan" where listeners live as material.

▼Listen to the program https://lnk.to/musictourist

▼Official LINE

https://page.line.me/211zsvuw?openQrModal=true

▼Program Website

https://www.cross-dominance.tokyo/music-tourist/

▼YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@cross-dominance

【Program Network Stations / Broadcast Times】★ indicates newly added stations or stations with changed times since June 2026

*If you subscribe to the premium membership (paid) of the app "radiko," you can listen from anywhere in Japan.