Indication of place of origin (Sanchimei no Hyoji)

Indication of place of origin (sanchimei no hyoji) refers to the place name shown on a sake label to indicate where the sake was produced and bottled. This indication may be used only for seishu (refined sake) that was actually produced in that place. Sake that has been blended with sake made elsewhere, or that has been moved to another location and bottled there, may not carry a place name of origin. Place names of origin include the names of administrative divisions such as prefectures, cities, towns, and villages, as well as historical names of former provinces and commonly known regional place names. In this way, the place name of origin provides important information for understanding the quality and character of a sake.