In my capacity as a designer, I have provided visual support to brands within Japan’s alcohol industry. To promote the industry proactively, I have established two brands centred around Japanese koji spirits, specifically shochu, in collaboration with a venerable distillery. This sets me apart from the conventional approaches taken by traditional brands.

By redefining not only the visual approaches but also the essence of alcohol and its potential for enjoyment, drawing inspiration from global alcoholic beverages, my objective is to invigorate the industry, elevate its prominence, and enhance overall appreciation.

While shochu is a unique and alluring product, the industry faces challenges with declining consumption, leading to the closure of numerous distilleries. In 2022, sales for the top 50 companies hit a historic low, comparable to figures from 2005.

*Shochu, a Japanese traditional distilled alcohol, is crafted from diverse ingredients like sweet potatoes, barley, and rice. What sets shochu apart is its single distillation process, whereas spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey are typically distilled multiple times.