Karuizawa Distillers: Japan's Next Whisky Giant

From Komoro to Furano: KDI's Vision for Japanese Whisky

Karuizawa Distillers Inc (KDI) co-founder and CEO Koji Shimaoka, a long-time Karuizawa resident and former Citibank Managing Director, is strategically positioning the company to disrupt the Japanese whisky market and join the ranks of top-tier producers. Founded in 2016 by Shimaoka and his wife, alongside award-winning master blender Ian Chang (formerly of Taiwan's Kavalan), KDI's name pays homage to the legendary Karuizawa distillery which ceased production in 2000 and whose bottles now hold cult status.

Komoro Distillery: A Whisky Destination Blending with Nature

KDI's first project, the Komoro single malt distillery, is located at the foot of Mount Asama in Nagano Prefecture. Opened in 2023, the facility blends natural landscapes with contemporary design, featuring two copper pot stills. It is designed as a destination complete with a visitor center, tasting room, tours, and a whisky academy. With an annual capacity of 400,000 liters, tourism has become a key revenue stream. Shimaoka also established the private "The One Hundred Club" for investors, offering exclusive bottlings and cask ownership opportunities.

Expansion Ambitions: Hokkaido's Furaliss Distillery and Future Outlook

To meet global demand and scale production, KDI announced plans in June 2025 for its second and larger distillery, Furaliss, set to open in Furano, Hokkaido, in 2028 in partnership with the Seibo Group. Furaliss will feature eight stills from Scotland's Forsyth's, with a projected annual capacity of 2 million liters—four times that of Komoro. Ian Chang noted that Hokkaido's cooler climate facilitates longer maturation and enhanced oxidation.

To achieve its goal of becoming a powerhouse in Japanese whisky, KDI is securing long-term supplies of Mizunara oak casks and scouting for a third location in southern Japan. As Komoro's first releases hit the market, KDI expects to become Japan's eighth-largest producer, aiming for the number three spot once Furaliss is operational.

📅 Release Date: 2025-12-22

🔗 Source: https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/karuizawa-distillers-aspires-to-be-major-japanese-whisky-player/