Natsuko was born into a sake-brewing family in rural Japan. After she graduated from junior college, she worked as a copywriter for an advertising agency in Tokyo for two years. Her brother Yasuo was planning on growing a rare breed of rice called Tatsunishiki, which is perfect for making sake. However, he dies at the age of 30 after a long illness, and Natsuko returns home to fulfill his dream of brewing the ultimate sake. She is a great drinker, and never forgets the taste of a sake she once drinks it.