Japan Business Forum 2012 (3/11) - Guest Remarks by Mr. Teruhiko Mashiko
Guest Remarks by Mr. Teruhiko Mashiko, Member of the House of Councilors, during the Japan Business Forum on July 17, 2012. For more post-event information, visit www.jetro.org/jbf2012.view video >
Japan Business Forum 2012 (2/11) - Video Message from Mr. Yoshinori Suematsu
Video Message from Mr. Yoshinori Suematsu, Senior Vice Minister for Reconstruction, followed by a presentation "From Recovery, to Revitalization" by Mr. Daiki Nakajima of JETRO New York during the Japan Business Forum on July 17, 2012. For more post-event information, visit www.jetro.org/jbf2012.view video >
Japan Business Forum 2012 (1/11) - Welcome Remarks by Mr. Hiroaki Isobe
Welcome Remarks by Mr. Hiroaki Isobe, Executive Vice President of JETRO, during the Japan Business Forum on July 17, 2012. For more post-event information, visit www.jetro.org/jbf2012.view video >
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Event Detail (Archive)
This is a past event
The Biggest Shochu Event
Monday, October 15, 2012, 1:00PM - 4:00PM
ENGLISH
JETRO Event

Sake is not your only option!
If you have purchasing authority for alcoholic beverages in your stores, this is an event you cannot afford to miss! Our event features over 50 labels of Japanese Shochu - a distilled Japanese alcoholic beverage - for you to taste...And distributors will be there so you can place your order on site!
Come join us and be the first to have these highest quality Shochu labels on your shelf in LA!
Event Information
Seminar I: 1:00PM - 1:30PM @ Salon C "Shochu Basics" by Mr. Ueno
Seminar II: 1:30PM - 2:00PM @ Salon C "How to Increase Your Shochu Sales" By Mr. Matsumoto
Tasting and Network Reception: 1:00PM - 4:00PM @ Salon D, E
Free Admission, but Registration is Required!
Please Register HERE by October 10th, 2012
This event is only open for individuals who have the authority to purchase alcoholic beverages for his/her stores.
Any questions, please email lagexpt@jetro.go.jp
List of Vendors Exhibiting at Tasting Reception
Please click on the company name to view more info
(Order according to shochu type)
Awamori
Barley
- Genkai Shuzo Co., Ltd.
- Hamada Syuzou Co., Ltd.
- Ikinokura Distillary Co., Ltd.
- Komasa Jyozo Co., Ltd.
- Nishiyoshida-Shuzou.Co., Ltd.
- Ozeki Sake USA., Inc. (Fukiage Shochu Co.)
- Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.
- Satsuma Shuzo Co., Ltd.
- Takara Sake USA., Inc.
- Yamanomori Corporation
- Yatsushika Brewery Co., Ltd.
Brown Sugar
Rice
- Fukano Shuzou Co., Ltd.
- Komasa Jyozo Co., Ltd.
- Oishi Distillery Co., Ltd.
- Ozeki Sake USA., Inc. (Fukiage Shochu Co.)
- Sengetsu Shuzo Co., Ltd.
- Takahashi Shuzoh Co., Ltd.
- Takara Sake USA., Inc.
Sweet Potato
- Hamada Syuzou Co., Ltd.
- Komasa Jyozo Co., Ltd.
- Satsumamusou Co., Ltd.
- Satsuma Shuzo Co., Ltd.
- Takara Sake USA., Inc.
- Yamamoto Shuzou Co., Ltd.
- Yatsushika Brewery Co., Ltd.
Buckwheat
Liqueur
List of U.S. Shochu Distributors Exhibiting at Tasting Reception
Please click on the company name to view more info
(Alphabetical order)

Amami-Oshima Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Web: www.jougo.co.jp
Amami-Ohshima Shuzo Co., Ltd. is one of the brown sugar Shochu manufacturers using 100% of the brown sugar produced in the Amami region. They are proud of their original Shochu, which gets its taste and nice aroma from being stored for at least 2 years.
Product 1: Jougo (Brown Sugar)![]() |
Product 2: Takakura (Brown Sugar)![]() |
Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.
CTC Food International Inc.
Web: www.ctcfood.com
CTC Food International, Inc. is an importer and wholesaler of Japanese Sake and Shochu. Our products are distributed to foodservice outlets by Maruhana Corporation. In addition to sake and shochu, CTC imports a variety of food products from Japan and other Asian countries. We cater to retail stores nationwide.
Product 1: Kuro Uma Gold (Barley) (Kagura Shozo )
Product 2: Kura Uma Silver (Barely) (Kagura Shozo)
Product 3: Fuji Shochu (Barley) (Konishi Shuzo)
Product 4: Tenso Korin Shochu (Sweet Potato) (Kagura Shuzo)
Product 5: Tensho Shochu (Buckweat) (Kagura Shuzo)
Product 6: Ryukyu Bijin (Awamori) (Helios Shuzo)


Fukano Shuzou Co., Ltd.
Web: www.fukano.co.jp
It will be 190 years next year since Fukano Shuzou Co., Ltd. was founded. They have been producing their specialized Shochu in two warehouses. One is where the special pots, "Kame," are lined up in the hand-made warehouse. The other warehouse can produce limited amount of Shochu and was built recently. There are over 10 kinds of Shochu where one of the ingredients is rice and is drunken by the rice producers themselves. Other Shochu are made with the characteristics of local agricultural products. Also, there is a "Vegetable Shochu," which is carefully selected by a sommelier and is made to commemorate the 190 years of using 27 local vegetables and 5 grains.
Product 1: Saiba Blue (Rice)![]() |
Product 2: Saiba Black (Rice)![]() |
Distributor: Smart Assist, LLC.

Genkai Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Web: www.mugishochu-iki.com
Genko Shuzo Co., Ltd is well-known for its originality and creativity. They were established in 1900 and are makers of Barely Shochu Iki, which is real handmade Shochu.
Product: Barley Shochu Iki

Distributor: World Sake Imports
Hamada Syuzou Co., Ltd.
Web: www.hamadasyuzou.co.jp
Hamada Syuzou Co., Ltd founded over 100 years ago during the Meiji era. This traditional handmade style of preparation and brewing produces a high-quality Shochu that handmade is actively marketing.
Product 1: Kaido Iwainoaka (Sweet Potato)![]() |
Product 2: Kakushigura (Barley)![]() |
Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.

Ikinokura Distillary Co., Ltd.
Web: www.Ikinokura.co.jp
Ikinokura Distillery is located in an area with abundant mineral water. They combine traditional Shochu making methods with new techniques to bring out the best taste and flavor of the ingredients.
| Product 1: Ancient Greatness (Barley) ![]() |
Product 2: True Beauty (Barley) ![]() |
Product 3: Yuzu Liqueur ![]() |
Distributor: Sake Story
JFC International Inc.
Web: www.jfc.com
JFC International is proud of its roots, dating back to the early 1900's. Today's modern JFC company was formally established in 1958. Ever since, the corporation has broadened and enhanced its 15,000-item product line by penetrating new geographic and consumer markets in fulfilling its commitment of leading the way to tomorrow. JFC's innovative corporate character has generated substantial increases in exports and imports among Asian countries. Additionally, it has recently acquired specialty and health foods to complement its ever-growing line of food products. With our automated, state-of-the-art warehouse facilities, contemporary office environment and modern test kitchen, JFC successfully provides customers with premium products, delivered through expedient service.
Product 1: Nakanaka Nai (Rice) (Tatsuma-Honke Shuzo)
Product 2: Toki No Kokuin (Rice) (Miyazaki Honten)
Product 3: Kusu (Barley) (Miyazaki Honten)
Product 4: Kicchomu (Barley) (Nikaido Shuzo)
Product 5: Beniotome (Sesami) (Beniotome Shuzo)
Product 6: Lento (Brown Sugar) (Amami-Oshima Kaiun Shuzo)


Komasa Jyozo Co., Ltd.
Web: www.komasa.co.jp
Komasa Jyozo Co., Ltd was founded in Kagoshima in 1883. With over 120 consecutive years of research and production of shochu, their philosophy is "Make it and enjoy together."
| Product 1: Kozuro Kuro (Sweet Potato) ![]() |
Product 2: Kurano Shikon (Sweet Potato) ![]() |
Product 3: Window's Mugichi (Barley) ![]() |
Product 4: Window's Migaki (Barley/Rice) ![]() |
Distributor: JFC International Inc.
Kuramoto US, Inc.
Web: www.kuramotous.com
We import 70 brands of sake and 3 brand s of shochu to USA. We operate from LA and NY offices, and distribute through JFC International, Inc channel. Our goal is to introduce how to enjoy and sell Sake and Shochu to the US market.
| Product 1: Akamaoh (Sweet Potato) (Inoue Shuzo) ![]() |
Product 2: Akaoni (Barley) (Inoue Shuzo) ![]() |
Product 3: Hamano Imota (Sweet Potato) (Chiyomusubi Shuzo) ![]() |
Mutual Trading Co., Inc.
Web: www.lamtc.com
MUTUAL TRADING COMPANY INC. is the premier Japanese food, alcohol beverage, and restaurant supply specialist. We are the Japanese food authority - true to the heart in upholding genuine Japanese cuisine traditions, and progressive in exploring new ways to provide innovative products and services. Mutual Trading imports, exports, distributes and manufactures the top brands for our retailer and foodservice customers.
| Product 1: Kuro Yokaichi (Sweet Potato) (Takara Sake USA., Inc.) Product 2: Ikkomon (Sweet Potato) (Takara Sake USA., Inc.) Product 3: Benikko (Sweet Potato) (Takara Sake USA.,Inc.) Product 4: Kurokame (Sweet Potato) (Takara Sake USA., Inc.) Product 5: Shiranami (Sweet Potato) (Satsuma Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 6: Kuroshiranami (Sweet Potato) (Satsuma Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 7: Satsuma Otome (Sweet Potato) (Satsuma Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 8: Satsuma Hozan (Sweet Potato) (Nishi Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 9: Tomino Hozan (Sweet Potato) (Nishi Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 10: Kiccho Hozan (Sweet Potato) (Nishi Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 11: Tenshi No Yuuwaku (Sweet Potato) (Nishi Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 12: Tsuwabuki Monjiro (Sweet Potato) (Satsuma Muso Co., Ltd.) Product 13: Kaido (Sweet Potato) (Hamada Shuzou Co., Ltd.) Product 14: Yokaichi (Barley) (Takara Sake USA., Inc.) Product 15: Iichiko Silhouette (Barley) (Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.) Product 16: Iichiko Seirin (Barley) (Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.) |
Product 17: Iichiko Kurobin (Barley) (Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.) Product 18: Iichiko Frasco (Barley) (Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.) Product 19: Kakushigura (Barley) (Hamada Shuzou Co., Ltd.) Product 20: Tsukushi Shiro (Barley) (Nishiyoshida-Shuzou.Co., Ltd.) Product 21: Tsukushi Kuro (Barley) (Nishiyoshida-Shuzou.Co., Ltd.) Product 22: Kintaro (Barley) (Nishiyoshida-Shuzou.Co., Ltd.) Product 23: Ark Jakunbaku (Barley) (Nishiyoshida-Shuzou.Co., Ltd.) Product 24: Yokaichi Kome (Rice) (Takara Sake USA., Inc.) Product 25: Hakutake Shiro (Rice) (Takahashi Shuzoh Co., Ltd.) Product 26: Kinjo Shiro (Rice) (Takahashi Shuzoh Co., Ltd.) Product 27: Sengetsu (Rice) (Sengetsu Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 28: Mizuho (Rice) (Mizuho Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 29: Shimauta (Rice) (Higa Shuzo Co., Ltd.) Product 30: Towari (Buckwheat) (Takara Sake USA., Inc.) Product 31: Love's in the Air (Liqueur) (Sengetsu Shuzo Co., Ltd.) |


Nishiyoshida-Shuzou.Co., Ltd.
Web: http://nishiyoshida.jp
They have over 120 years experience of brewing their Shochu, along the river Chikugo and the rich plains of Fukuoka, Kyushu. They've always followed their philosophy of "making shochu is making a smile." You can taste the pride that goes in to making their shochu.
| Product 1: Isukushi Shiro (Barley) ![]() |
Product 2: Kintaro (Barley) ![]() |
Product 3: Ark Jakuunbaku (Barley) ![]() |
Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.
Oishi Distillery Co., Ltd.
Web: www.ohishi-shuzohjyo.jp/
Oishi Distillery Co., Ltd. is located closest to the headwaters of the Kuma River in Kumamoto region which is surrounded by subsoil water and fertile land. They are always trying new challenging processes of production while using the traditional methods at the same time.
They carefully focus on the process of production, such as using the "Kumamoto region's mochi rice" as one of the Shochu ingredients, and also making a Shochu which is "friendly" to the body.
They store their products in over 1200 of Sherry and Brandy barrels. Their company philosophy is "Always hold a venturous mind and focus on the ingredients, yeast and storage of Shochu."
Product 1: Oishi Gold (Rice)![]() |
Product 2: Oishi Silver (Rice)![]() |
Distributor: Smart Assist, LLC.
Ozeki Sake USA., Inc. (Fukiage Shochu Co.)
Web: www.ozekisake.com
Ozeki Sake USA., Inc; FUKIAGE SHOCHU Co. in Minami Satsuma, Kagoshima, on the south-eastern tip of Japan, sources its water from local mountain springs noted for the influence of the briny sea breeze off the nearby East China Sea. Kaikouzu made from "Kurikogane (Golden Chestnut) sweet potato," which was nearly extinct before Fukiage started working with local formers to bring back black koji. This Shochu has a unique full-bodied taste and a sweet aroma from 'Kurikogane' sweet potatoes. Fukiage Mugi Shochu has a light aroma with the rich, smooth flavor of barley. This is a refreshing Shochu, light and pleasant on the palate.
Product 1: Kaikouzu (Potato)![]() |
Product 2: Fukiage (Barley)![]() |
Distributor: JFC International Inc.

Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.
Web: www.iichiko.co.jp/en
Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. is surrounded by the refreshing breezes and pure cool water of Oita Prefecture, which provides a fitting setting for the distillery. Their concept has always been the same: "Quality comes first."
| Product 1: iichiko Silhouette (Barley) ![]() |
Product 2: iichiko Seirin (Barley) ![]() |
Product 3: iichiko Kurobin (Barley) ![]() |
Product 4: iichiko Frasco (Barley) ![]() |
Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.

Satsumamusou Co., Ltd.
Web: www.satsumamusou.co.jp
The brand name of "Satsuma Musou," which means "Only one in Satsuma" was named and created through public participation to promote the special products of Kagoshima.
Product: Tsuwabuki-Monjiro (Sweet Potato)

Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.

Satsuma Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Web: www.satsuma.co.jp
Our distilleries are located at the southern tip of Satsuma Peninsula in Japan, surrounded by rich soil and pure water. Our primary policy is "The quality first." Our skilled master distiller, Toji, makes our Shochu with select ingredients. We respect the traditional culture of Shochu production and always strive to improve our Shochu quality.
| Product 1: Kannnoko (Barley) ![]() Distributor: Nishimoto Trading Inc. |
Product 2: Mugiwara Boushi (Barley) ![]() Distributor: Nishimoto Trading Inc. |
Product 3: Satsuma Otome (Sweet Potato) ![]() Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc. |
Product 4: Kuro Shiranami (Sweet Potato) ![]() Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc. |
Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.

Sengetsu Shuzo Co., Ltd.
Web: www.sengetsu.co.jp
This company was established in 1903. They've continually made their schochu from the highest quality raw rice and exceptional water from the Kuma River in the Kumamoto Region. Their creative shochu making process is now managed by the sixth-generation of the family-owned business - Yuji Baba. Sengetetsu's top brand of shochu is a favorite among the local people.
Product 1: Sengetsu (Rice)![]() |
Product 2: Kawabe (Rice)![]() |
Product 3: Love's in the Air (Liqueur)![]() |
Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.

Takahashi Shuzoh Co., Ltd.
Web: www.hakutake.co.jp
Since 1900, the rice material ingredients of Kuma Shochu, grown in the Kuma Kumamoto area, have been used to make "Hakutake Shochu." This shochu is made using an updated method of decompression brewing that comes from a new technology, which is derived from well-known traditional manufacturing methods.
Product 1: Hakutake Shiro (Rice)![]() |
Product 2: Kinjo Shiro (Rice)![]() |
Product 3: Ginrei Shiro (Rice)![]() |
Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.
Takara Sake USA, Inc.
Web: www.takarasake.com
Takara Sake USA is a member of Takara Group, which has vast experience in producing Shochu, Mirin and Sake for more than one-and-a-half centuries.
Takara Sake USA was established in 1982 in Berkeley, California. The main products produced in Berkeley are the "Sho Chiku Bai" brand of Sake, "Takara Mirin" and Plum wine. Takara Sake USA has taken pure snow melt from the Sierra Nevada Mountains and superior rice from the fertile Sacramento Valley. To this, they apply traditional sake-making craftsmanship and modern technology to produce a Sake worthy of the Takara mark. Various products like premium sake and shochu are imported from our parent company in Japan.
Product 1: Yokaichi Mugi (Barley)
Product 2: Kuro Yokaichi (Sweet Potato)
Product 3: Ikkomon (Sweet Potato)
Product 4: Benikko (Sweet Potato)
Product 5: Kurokame (Sweet Potato)
Product 6: Yokaichi Kome (Rice)
Product 7: Towari (Soba)

Distributor: Mutual Trading Co., Inc.

Taragawa Co., Ltd
Web: www.taragawa.co.jp
Dynasty 24 degree Ryukyu Ohcho comes in two sizes, half size of 375ml and traditional 750ml. Half size is easy for the Awamori beginner to try and easy to serve at the restaurant.
Product 1: Koshu Ryukyu Ocho 750ml (Awamori)![]() |
Product 2: Koshu Ryukyu Ocho 375ml (Awamori)![]() |
Distributor: JFC International Inc.

Yamanomori Corporation
Web: www.mugishochu-iki.com/yamanomori/
This company, established in 1899, brings over 100 years of history and traditional skills to produce this special Shochu, made from carefully selected malted rice and barely and stored in special pots called "Kame."
Product: Yamanomori (Barley)

Distributor: World Sake Imports

Yamamoto Shuzou Co., Ltd.
Web: www.satsuma-godai.co.jp
Yamamoto Shuzou Co., Ltd has produced their original brand of Shochu for over 100 years since their establishment in 1912. They are known to the craftsmen selected ingredients and the careful brewing process of their Shochu.
Product 1: Satsuma Kurogodai (Sweet Potato)![]() |
Product 2: Satsuma Godai (Sweet Potato)![]() |
Product 3: Satsuma Godai Umeshu (Liqueur)![]() |
Distributor: Nishimoto Trading Inc.
Yatsushika Brewery Co., Ltd.
Web: www.yatsushika.com
Yatsushika Brewery Co., Ltd., which was founded in 1864, received the top class of Gold Awards from the "Shinshu Kanpyokai (National Sake Appreciating and Evaluating Organization)." They also received the Gold Award and International Quality Excellence Award from the Liquor Department of Monde Selection distilled liquor section for 5 consecutive years in FY 2007-2011.
| Product 1: Ginza no Suzume Siro (Barley) ![]() |
Product 2: Ginza no Suzume Kohaku (Barley) ![]() |
Product 3: Ginza no Suzume Kuro (Barley) ![]() |
Product 4: Kagemusha (Sweet Potato) ![]() |
Distributor: JFC International Inc.
Location:
Torrance Marriot South Bay3635 Fashion Way
Torrance, CA 90503
Map (click to open map in new window)
Schedule:
| Event: | 1:00PM - 4:00PM |















































