Nankai Kokuto Shochu (Brown Sugar Shochu)

Nankai (Amami Oshima Kaiun Shuzo) · Kagoshima (Amami Oshima)
Alcohol Shochu Alcohol Established export

Nankai is a kokuto (brown-sugar) shochu from Amami Oshima Kaiun Shuzo, a category that by Japanese liquor-tax law may only be produced in the Amami Islands using sugarcane and rice koji. It has been handcrafted for over 60 years and is distributed in the US (carried by Mutual Trading and US specialty retailers). Light and naturally sweet without added sugar, it suits cocktails and food pairing. It is an established niche export spirit.

The supplierAmami Oshima distillery; 60+ years kokuto shochu; legally protected Amami-only brown-sugar category.
Why it sells abroadRare Amami-only brown-sugar shochu; naturally sweet, no added sugar; established US importer.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsNone publicly listed
Pack formats720ml, 1800ml bottles
Shelf lifeIndefinite when sealed (distilled spirit)
StorageCool, dark, upright; ambient stable
Minimum orderTypical: distributor case minimum
Lead timeTypical: in-market distributor stock; replenishment 6-10 weeks
CapacityMid-size distillery
Container loadTypical: FCL via Mutual Trading consolidation
PricingTypical: mid shochu wholesale tier
OEM / private labelNot indicated
Wholesale & MOQVia Mutual Trading and specialty spirits importers (B2B)
Key exporters & distributorsMutual Trading Co., Inc. (MTC Sake), Nankai Shochu (US brand site)
Export regulationUS TTB import as distilled spirit; production legally restricted to Amami Islands (Japanese liquor tax law); COLA approval.
Market demandNiche but growing US cocktail/specialty demand
How to source itMajor Japanese-food importer (Mutual Trading) / brand site
Verified sourceshttps://www.mtcsake.com/shochu; https://nankaishochu.com/
MakerAmami Oshima Kaiun Shuzo Co., Ltd.
OriginKagoshima (Amami Oshima)
CategoryAlcohol / Shochu
Available inUnited States, United Kingdom
HandlingAlcohol
Price tierMid
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessEstablished export
HS code2208.90
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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.