In recent years, Japan’s whisky scene has entered a new and exciting era.
Beyond the internationally acclaimed giants, a wave of small craft distilleries has emerged—each rooted deeply in its local landscape, climate, and community.

These makers are not merely producing spirits; they are crafting stories—of time, patience, and place.
From the cool northern coasts of Hokkaido to the sunlit valleys of Okinawa, the aroma of malt and oak is now part of a national revival.

This year, the JAPANESE CRAFT WHISKY FESTA 2025 brought those stories together under one roof for the very first time.
It was more than an event—it was a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and the quiet pride of Japan’s next generation of distillers.

JAPANESE CRAFT WHISKY FESTA 2025 – Event Report

“They say you can meet the ‘baby whiskies’ there.”
With that intriguing phrase, I found myself heading to the JAPANESE CRAFT WHISKY FESTA 2025, held on October 19, 2025.
Hosted by the Japan Whisky Promotion Council (JWPC), the event brought together craft distilleries and companies that support whisky making from across Japan.

Handcrafted Whiskies Take Center Stage

This event focused on whiskies produced by small distilleries that mash less than two tons of grain per batch.
JWPC defines these as craft whiskies—and when they meet the standards of the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, they earn the title Japanese Craft Whisky.

Barley, grains, and water—all sourced from Japan.
Every step, from mashing and fermentation to distillation, maturation, and bottling, takes place within the country.
Each drop carries the spirit of Japan’s land and the devotion of its craftsmen.

Tasting the “Baby Whiskies”

One of the greatest pleasures of the festival was sampling new-make and new-born spirits—
those clear, youthful whiskies that have yet to rest in casks.
Because they’re unaged, their raw energy and distinct personality shine through,
making you feel as though you’re witnessing the very beginning of a whisky’s life.

One exhibitor told me,

“What you smell and taste now will evolve in three, five, ten years.
Imagining that transformation is part of the true joy of craft whisky.”

Indeed, some distilleries at the event offered side-by-side tastings—
their new-make spirits alongside expressions aged for three or five years.
It was a rare opportunity to experience how time softens the edges,
how the once-fiery character gradually deepens and rounds into harmony.

In that moment, I was reminded that whisky-making is not just a process of aging—
it’s a collaboration between time, nature, and human hands.

New Encounters, and the Origin of the Future

Today, there are nearly 120 craft distilleries across Japan.
Many are still small and little-known, but festivals like this are giving them their moment to be discovered.
Speaking with the distillers, I heard a recurring sentiment:

“We want to share the pride of our region through each drop we make.”

This festival was more than a tasting—it felt like a glimpse into the future of Japanese whisky,
and a warm gathering where passion, craftsmanship, and community meet.

Here at Whisky in Japan, we aim to continue shining a light on these emerging small distilleries—
to share their stories, their challenges, and their quiet determination.
Because within these small stills and handcrafted barrels lies the new heartbeat of Japanese whisky culture—
a culture built on patience, regional character, and the unwavering spirit of its makers.
We believe their voices deserve to be heard, one distillery at a time.

Exhibiting Distilleries

• Ariake Sangyo (Miyazaki)
• Hekinan Distillery (Aichi)
• Fuji Hokuroku Distillery (Yamanashi)
• Hanyu Distillery (Saitama)
• whisky & Co. Distillery (Shizuoka)
• Yoshida Denzai Kogyo (Niigata)
• Niigata Kameda Distillery (Niigata)
• Takakura Distillery (Ibaraki)
• Susaki Distillery (Okinawa)
• Osuzuyama Distillery (Miyazaki)
• Asaka Distillery (Fukushima)
• Kobe Distillery (Hyogo)
• Kiuchi Distillery (Ibaraki)
• Awano Distillery (Tokushima)
• Nikko Kaido Oyama Distillery (Tochigi)
• Shindo Distillery (Fukuoka)
• Gakkogawa Distillery (Yamagata)
• Chiyomusubi Shuzo (Tottori)
• Tenkyo Distillery (Fukushima)
• Yabu Distillery (Hyogo)
• Maoi Distillery (Hokkaido)

Event Information

Event name: JAPANESE CRAFT WHISKY FESTA 2025
Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Organizer: Japan Whisky Promotion Council (JWPC)
Venue: Tokyo (details available on the official website)
Official website: https://www.japanesewhiskypc.com/event