Why not explore the rich history of Shochu, Japan's traditional distilled spirit?
Crafted using techniques refined over centuries, Shochu is a drink steeped in heritage. Its ingredients are wonderfully diverse, but our stand shines a spotlight on three of the most iconic: sweet potato, barley, and rice. We're offering a curated tasting experience, allowing you to discover the distinctive aromas and deep, complex flavours of each variety.
In addition, we're running hands-on cocktail workshops led by professional bartenders, where you'll get to create your own Shochu-based drinks.
They'll also share expert tips on blending, food pairings, and the many ways to enjoy this incredibly versatile spirit. So come by, have a taste, and find your new favourite!
Proudly presenting in the Spirits of Japan Cocktail bar
Drink Japan is proud to showcase an exceptional selection of Awamori and spirits from local distilleries across Okinawa. This is a rare opportunity to discover and taste bottles that are seldom available outside the islands, brought directly from the producers themselves.
Exhibitors
Yaesen Distillery (Ishigaki Island)
Sakimoto Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Onna Village)
Sakimoto Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Onna Village)
A distillery that combines tradition and innovation by bringing together labour-intensive direct distillation with long-term cask ageing.
Sakimoto Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Onna Village)
Sakimoto Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Onna Village)
Sakimoto Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Onna Village)
A historic distillery known as the "Father of Awamori Revival”. The second-generation owner rediscovered black koji mould and revived Awamori production after the war.
Ikehara Distillery (Ishigaki Island)
Sakimoto Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Onna Village)
Kamimura Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Uruma City)
A family-run distillery that preserves traditional production methods. Three generations have crafted Awamori, with the business passing from grandmother to grandchild with an evolving style.
Kamimura Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Uruma City)
Sakimoto Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Onna Village)
Kamimura Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Uruma City)
The first distillery to produce oak cask-aged Awamori. Following 2025, it has again been selected as the official sake served at the CANNES GALA during the Cannes International Film Festival in 2026.
Izena Distillery (Izena Island)
Yanbaru Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Ōgimi Village)
Izena Distillery (Izena Island)
Izena Island is one of the few places in Okinawa with an environment suited to rice cultivation. The distillery produces terroir Awamori using locally grown island rice.
Iheya Distillery (Iheya Island)
Yanbaru Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Ōgimi Village)
Izena Distillery (Izena Island)
Like Izena Island, Iheya Island is one of the few places in Okinawa with an environment suited to rice cultivation. The distillery produces terroir Awamori using locally grown island rice.
Yanbaru Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Ōgimi Village)
Yanbaru Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Ōgimi Village)
Yanbaru Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Ōgimi Village)
Located in a small settlement surrounded by the rich natural environment, Yanbaru. Seventy per cent of its products are sourced locally, rooting this distillery within its local community.
Yamakawa Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Motobu Town)
Yanbaru Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Ōgimi Village)
Yanbaru Distillery (Okinawa Main Island, Ōgimi Village)
Committed to producing kusu (aged Awamori), the distillery carefully selects its ingredients and brewing methods. Yamakawa Distillery is known as "Yamakawa of Kusu".
Sakimoto Distillery (Yonaguni Island)
Sakimoto Distillery (Yonaguni Island)
Sakimoto Distillery (Yonaguni Island)
Japan's westernmost distillery. It produces Hanazake, a unique distilled spirit made exclusively on Yonaguni Island.
Yoneshima Distillery (Kume Island)
Sakimoto Distillery (Yonaguni Island)
Sakimoto Distillery (Yonaguni Island)
A distillery loved by the local community, born from the abundant water and diverse geology of Kume Island. It is also well known for its beautifully designed bottles.