Nurturing Tradition: Kirishima Shuzo’s Commitment to Local and Culinary Heritage

Since its inception, Kirishima Shuzo has been driven by a deep-seated commitment to the people, the land, and the culture of Southern Kyushu. Founded on the principles of love and affection for the region and its inhabitants, this esteemed distillery has consistently strived to share its appreciation with the world through its exceptional products.

At the heart of Kirishima Shuzo’s offerings lies a dedication to sourcing local ingredients, harnessing the bounties of nature found in the Southern Kyushu region. These ingredients, deeply rooted in the land’s rich heritage, provide the foundation for their renowned Honkaku Shochu.

What sets Kirishima Shuzo apart is not just the use of local ingredients, but also the innovative technology that has been meticulously passed down from generation to generation. This commitment to tradition while embracing progress has allowed the distillery to refine its craft continuously.

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But it’s not just the ingredients and technology that make Kirishima Shuzo special. The distillery takes pride in its richly varied local cuisine, which showcases time-honored flavors and methods that have stood the test of time. This cuisine is more than just food; it’s a celebration of culture and community, a joyous experience shared with friends and loved ones around the table.

No matter the meal or the company, Kirishima Shuzo’s primary goal remains unchanged: to offer shochu that elevates the dining experience and brings true enjoyment to those who partake.

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The story of Kirishima Shuzo is inseparable from the culture of shochu deeply rooted in the lands of Southern Kyushu. It all began with founder Kichisuke Enatsu, who embarked on the journey of manufacturing Honkaku Shochu in Kawahigashi, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture. This marked the birth of Kirishima Shuzo, under the name Kawahigashi Enatsu Shoten.

The reins of the family business were later passed to Junkichi Enatsu, a highly respected blender in the industry. In 1949, he restructured the company as Kirishima Shuzo Co., Ltd. and assumed the role of president, laying the foundation for the brand’s enduring success.

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Throughout its history, Kirishima Shuzo has been a trailblazer in the industry, introducing cutting-edge equipment and techniques to craft the finest shochu. Today, the distillery welcomes visitors from around the world, offering them the opportunity to witness the shochu-making process firsthand through factory tours.

In May 2016, Kirishima Shuzo celebrated a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary of the brand that helped make shochu a national drink in Japan. Guided by the corporate slogan, “spurring passion from quality,” the company continues to innovate, create value, inspire, and provide unwavering reliability to its customers, with aspirations for even greater growth in the future.

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