Kuma Shochu: Rice Shochu Culture of Kumamoto's Kuma Region — One of Japan's Three Major Shochu Production Areas

Kuma Shochu: Authentic Rice Shochu with WTO Geographical Indication Protection

"Kuma Shochu" produced throughout Kuma-gun and Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is an authentic rice shochu brewed with the clear water of Kuma River using 100% rice as raw material. One of Japan's Three Major Shochu production areas certified for WTO (World Trade Organization) geographical indication protection along with Iki wheat shochu and Okinawa awamori.

Characteristics of Kuma Shochu

Kuma Shochu's characteristics are "clean taste and rich rice aroma." Using locally produced rice (Hinohikari, etc.) and clear water from Kuma River tributaries, distinctive shochu with each distillery's unique production method is manufactured. Normal pressure distillation and reduced pressure distillation production methods exist; the former is richer in aroma, the latter features a cleaner taste.

Hitoyoshi Kuma Breweries

Approximately 30 breweries are gathered in the Kuma region, with distinctive brands including "Sengetsu," "Oishi," "Shiratake," and "Nasu" available. Brewery tours and tasting tours can also be enjoyed (reservations required).

How to Drink Shochu

Kuma Shochu can be enjoyed in various ways including on the rocks, with water, with hot water, and with soda. "Nurutame-kan (approximately 40–45 degree hot water dilution)" in particular is the Kumamoto style of drinking that brings out the sweetness of rice.

Access

JR Hisatsu Line "Hitoyoshi Station" is the center of the Kuma Shochu production area. Approximately 1–1.5 hours from Kumamoto Station by limited express or local train.