Ken and Kazuko Sasaki founded Norakura winery in Hatuko, Hakodate in 2011, after studying enology in Burgundy. They named their project Norakura, which has meanings of "enjoying farming," "working in the fields" and "pursuing our own ideals." Hakodate, on the southern Oshima Peninsula of Hokkaido, has a similar climate to Yoichi in the north. The Sasakis work with about 3 hectares, mainly of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and farm organically.