Toji (brewmaster)

For the temple in Kyoto, see Toji (東寺).

Toji (杜氏; とうじ) is the job title of the Japanese sake brewmaster. It is a highly respected job in the Japanese society. If you own a brewery, you treat your toji like a top musician or painter.

Etymology

The meaning of this curtesy title is literally "Mr. To". "To" (杜, Chinese: Dù) is a Chinese family name. The use of this title is to pay homage to the alleged inventor of Chinese wine, Dù Kāng (杜康).

Dù Kāng's name has been used countless times in Chinese poetry and literature. However, Chinese brewmasters are never known to be called by this name.