Japan's new whisky breed chases export elixir

Kiuchi Brewery President Toshiyuki Kiuchi leads one of the scores of high-end whisky making ventures that have sprouted across Japan. But Kiuchi fears many may fall by the wayside in a crowded market where they must wait for their product to mature. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) Big in Asia Japan's new whisky breed chases export elixir Sake and shochu brewers join rush to open distilleries seeking fresh growth streams YUKA KONISHI November 7, 2026 06:00 JST ISHIOKA, Japan -- A little more than 200 years after his forefathers founded a sake brewery, Toshiyuki Kiuchi is racking up global awards for one of the latest drinks produced by the family firm he leads -- high-end whisky. Read Next Big in Asia In China's whisky boom, local distillers take aim at big shots Finance Whisky used to back long-term loans to Japanese distiller Food & Beverage U.S. bourbon maker IJW plots debut as producer of Japanese whisky Food & Beverage Japan's Suntory cuts Scotch production as tariffs hit US sales Food & Beverage Suntory eyes lead in Japan's nonalcoholic beverage market Food & Beverage Japanese whisky to be redefined in April to protect brand Food & Beverage Japanese whisky continues to get pricier amid solid popularity Life Sotheby's aims for record Japanese whisky sale Food & Beverage Kirin partners with Pernod Ricard to expand Fuji whisky's global reach Travel & Leisure Medicine, sweets, whisky, even stationery hot souvenirs in Japan Latest on Big in Asia Big in Asia Singapore haze crackdown tests legal reach and regional ties Big in Asia China's automaking rise spurs German industry's turn to arms Big in Asia South Korea's CJ CGV is putting 'motion' back into motion pictures Sponsored Content About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.