Japan's shochu capital becomes new hot spot for whisky

Kyushu-based distillers buck tradition to leap into growing market

Shinozaki aims to ship whisky out of its Shindo Distillery starting around 2025. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)

JUNYA HISANAGA and KOSUKE KONDO, Nikkei staff writers

June 26, 2022 05:30 JST

FUKUOKA/KUMAMOTO, Japan -- Traditionally known for its shochu, a clear liquor made from grains, potatoes, sugar cane and more, Japan's southwestern region of Kyushu has become home to a budding whisky industry as craft distillers chase a larger, more global audience.