[4542] Kakurei Kokimurasaki 鶴齢 深紫 越淡麗 青木酒造 新潟県 R7BY 720ml

Aoki Shuzo’s “Fūmi Zekka” Series: Kokimurasaki

This premium series is named “Fūmi Zekka.” In Japanese, fūmi zekka means far more than just “delicious”; it is a term expressing the highest level of praise, traditionally used to describe exceptional food, fine sake, or masterfully crafted goods like artisan knives. (Many Japanese people will instantly recognize this phrase as the historic catchphrase printed on Morinaga Caramel boxes.)

What immediately stands out about this series is the complete absence of typical technical details, such as the production date, rice polishing ratio, or "Special Designation" class. Instead, each bottle simply bears the name of a traditional Japanese color. This particular sake is named Kokimurasaki (deep purple), and it is brewed using Koshi-Tanrei—Aoki Shuzo's signature specialty rice.

Kokimurasaki R7BY offers an elegant, refined flavor profile that beautifully matches its regal color name, boasting a remarkably rich umami core. If you let it breathe for about fifteen minutes after opening, its sharpness crisply increases, revealing a brilliantly balanced structure. Served well-chilled, its flavors truly shine.

At first glance, this series might seem intimidating to global audiences due to its deep ties to traditional Japanese colors and historical lore. However, that is not the case at all. We believe the vibrant labels allow anyone to intuitively enjoy the sake through visual color associations. For those who wish to delve deeper into its essence, the series invites you to ponder what the color signifies based on the flavors you experience, or to explore the fascinating history behind the name.

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[Kokimurasaki]

Murasaki was a representative wild grass of the Nara and Heian periods, appearing in numerous poetry anthologies and tales, including the Manyōshū. It is a perennial herb of the Murasaki family that blooms with small white flowers around June.

Kokimurasaki (deep purple) is an intensely dark violet tinged with black, standing out as one of the most prestigious colors among Japan’s traditional palette. Crafted from the pigment shikonin extracted from the roots of the murasaki plant, this deep hue was exceptionally difficult to produce in ancient times, making it a powerful symbol of authority, nobility, and elegance.

The backdrop to Kokimurasaki gaining special significance is the “Cap and Rank System of Twelve Levels” established by Shōtoku Taishi (Prince Umayado) in the 11th year of Empress Suiko’s reign (603 AD). In this system, rank was indicated by color, with purple shades—especially deep purple—used for the highest rank. In other words, Kokimurasaki was not merely a beautiful color but one that visually embodied virtue and order.

By the Heian period, purple became even more beloved in aristocratic culture. Sei Shōnagon wrote in The Pillow Book: “All things purple are truly wonderful—flowers, threads, paper, and all.” While Kokimurasaki itself was a color of authority, within the sensibilities of the Heian era, it was cherished as evoking intelligence, elegance, and refined charm.