Collection: Kokubu-Shuzo

Founded in 1970, Kokubu Shuzo Cooperative traces its origins to a joint bottling facility established in Hayato Town, Aira District, by ten shochu producers from the Kokubu and Aira regions of Kagoshima. What began as a collective effort has since evolved into one of Japan’s most innovative sweet potato shochu distilleries.

Established at its current location in 1986, the brewery draws on exceptionally pure underground water from the Kirishima mountain range and the Kawahara Valley. This pristine environment forms the foundation of its meticulous approach to shochu making.

A defining moment came in 1997, when master distiller Nobuhisa Yasuda challenged long‑standing conventions by replacing rice koji with sweet potato koji. The result was “Imo Koji Imo,” released in 1998 as the industry’s first 100% sweet potato shochu—an achievement that redefined the boundaries of traditional shochu production.

Innovation continued with the revival of the nearly extinct sweet potato variety Tsuranashigenji. Beginning in 2003, Kokubu Shuzo patiently restored the cultivar over three years, starting from just ten seedlings. This dedication gave rise to the shochu “Tsuranashigenji,” expressing both historical depth and artisanal precision.

In 2013, the brewery unveiled “Yasuda,” a 100% sweet potato shochu made with Tsuranashigenji and named after its master distiller. Distinguished by its elegant, fruit‑driven aroma, Yasuda left a profound mark on the shochu industry, reshaping perceptions of what sweet potato shochu can be.

Pushing further into unexplored territory, Kokubu Shuzo introduced aroma‑focused yeast and vacuum distillation in 2017. This led to the release of “Flamingo Orange” in 2018, celebrated for its vibrant, citrus‑like fragrance. The expression has resonated strongly with new audiences, including women and younger drinkers, while maintaining the craftsmanship valued by seasoned enthusiasts.

Rooted in tradition yet driven by experimentation, Kokubu Shuzo Cooperative continues to craft shochu that embodies both heritage and modern elegance.