Kikusui Funaguchi Ichiban Shibori (Canned Nama Genshu)

Kikusui (Kikusui Sake) · Niigata (Shibata)
Alcohol Sake Alcohol Established export

Kikusui's Funaguchi, launched in 1972, is Japan's first canned nama genshu (unpasteurized, undiluted sake) and a portable, ready-to-drink format that has driven Kikusui's US growth. Kikusui established its own US subsidiary, Kikusui Sake USA, in 2010, and young consumers now account for roughly 70% of its US export sales volume, with some bars selling up to 300 cans a month. A US-exclusive nigori variant, 'Perfect Snow,' is designed for the American palate. The cans ship in 200ml and gold-label sizes via the US arm.

The supplierNiigata brewery (Shibata) with dedicated US subsidiary (Kikusui Sake USA, est. 2010); inventor of canned nama genshu format.
Why it sells abroadOriginal canned nama genshu; portable single-serve; US subsidiary and youth-driven sales momentum.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsHalal: not publicly verified. Organic-JAS: not publicly verified. Kosher: not publicly verified. HACCP/FSSC 22000: not publicly verified. (confirmed) Kikusui Sake operates a US subsidiary (Kikusui Sake USA, Inc., est. 2010); seishu license assumed; specific TTB/FDA filings not individually published.
Pack formats200ml cans (gold) and 180ml cans; multi-packs/6-packs (draft retained)
Shelf lifeBest consumed fresh; Funaguchi canned nama-genshu is light-protected and air-reduced and is now sold shelf-stable in Japan year-round (refrigeration still recommended for best quality)
StorageCool storage; refrigerate for best quality (canned to block light/air)
Minimum orderTypical: case/pallet via Kikusui Sake USA
Lead timeTypical: stocked domestically by US subsidiary - short lead time
CapacityTypical: large modern brewery with high canning throughput
Container loadReefer container; US subsidiary holds domestic inventory
PricingMid-tier single-serve canned sake; strong margin in convenience/RTD positioning
OEM / private labelNot publicly confirmed (likely limited).
Wholesale & MOQDistributor wholesale via Kikusui Sake USA, Inc.
Key exporters & distributorsKikusui Sake USA, Inc.
Export regulationTTB COLA + FDA prior notice (US); nama genshu requires cold chain; seishu classification
Market demandFast-growing US demand, especially among young/RTD-oriented consumers
How to source itKikusui Sake -> Kikusui Sake USA, Inc.; US distribution via Mutual Trading -> US retail (confirmed)
Verified sourceshttps://en.sake-times.com/brewery-stories/kikusui-usa; https://www.kikusui-sake.com/home/en/p/funaguchi_ichiban_shibori.html
MakerKikusui Sake Co., Ltd.
OriginNiigata (Shibata)
CategoryAlcohol / Sake
Available inUnited States
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierMid
ChannelMass
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code2206.00
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.