Yabuta (automatic sake press)

Yabuta refers to the Yabuta-type automatic press (ヤブタ式自動圧搾機) used in sake brewing. The machine is used in the pressing stage known as joso (上槽), where it separates the sake from the by-products of sake in the shubo (yeast starter) and moromi (fermentation mash). A distinctive feature of the Yabuta is that filter plates and air bags are arranged alternately, allowing each pressing plate to apply pressure to the moromi evenly. This uniform pressing improves the quality of the sake and makes it possible to press it out efficiently. The Yabuta is widely used in sake breweries across Japan, and its reliability and technical sophistication have made it indispensable in sake production.