Nishihira Distillery Co, Ltd

Nishihira Distillery – The Rhythm of Amami

Founded in 1927, Nishihira Distillery is a fourth-generation family distillery in Amami, Kagoshima, dedicated to the distinctive spirit of kokuto shochu.

Made with rice koji, mineral-rich Amami water and additive-free kokuto, the spirit is fermented in traditional earthen pots before being distilled in a single atmospheric distillation. The result is a shochu with a gentle sweetness and a character deeply connected to the island.

But Nishihira is also looking beyond tradition. With several musicians among its distillers and staff, the distillery has developed a unique creative identity where shochu and music come together. Its experimental Sonic Aging project matures shochu while exposing the barrels to different genres of music, exploring how sound can become part of the experience of ageing.

From classic expressions such as Kana and Sango to innovative limited releases, Nishihira is bringing Amami’s rare island spirit to a new generation.

Tradition in the bottle. Rhythm in the spirit.