Cover Tohoku is a region steeped in samurai tradition and home to a remarkable whisky distillery
(photo: Unsplash / Andrew Seaman)
Tohoku is a region steeped in samurai tradition and home to a remarkable whisky distillery (photo: Unsplash / Andrew Seaman)
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Bearing the influence of various cultural currents, whisky in the land of the samurai offers a flavour that is truly its own.
Tohoku, comprising six provinces in northern Japan, is celebrated for its striking natural landscapes and rich historical legacy. Among these provinces, Akita stands out as a witness to the heroic Edo period, a time of significant transformation in Japan. Today, traces of its legendary samurai past remain. It is also where one finds a distinguished and time-honoured whisky distillery.
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Samurai were the warriors of pre-modern Japan. Trained as the elite military class, they eventually rose to become the highest social tier during the Edo period (1603–1868).
Kubota Castle in Akita, a witness to the heroic Edo period
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A place to preserve the spirit of bushido
Samurai wielded a range of weapons—bows, spears, and even firearms—but none carried the same symbolism as the sword.
The moral code of the samurai was governed by seven principles. These values embodied the Bushido spirit, which emphasised strength, integrity, and refinement: Benevolence (Jin), Courage (Yu), Respect (Rei), Sincerity (Makoto), Honour (Meiyo), Loyalty (Chu), and Justice (Gi).
The legacy of bushido runs deep in Japanese history. One of its most enduring legends is the tale of the 47 ronin, who avenged the wrongful death of their master, Asano Naganori. In 1701, Naganori was ordered to commit seppuku after he attacked the corrupt court official Kira Yoshinaka. Provoked and dishonoured, Naganori refused a bribe and acted on principle.
Following his death, 47 of his retainers became masterless samurai. Rather than let their lord’s reputation fade in disgrace, they plotted vengeance. For two years, they disappeared from sight, adopting the guise of drunkards and wanderers. When the moment came, led by Ōishi Kuranosuke, they stormed Kira’s residence under cover of night.
Kira Yoshinaka was captured and offered the chance to die with dignity by his own hand. Lacking the courage, he was executed. Though the ronin were later compelled to take their own lives, their unwavering loyalty and sacrifice became an enduring emblem of samurai honour.
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Above The Bushido spirit is a constant thread in Japan’s storied past (photo: Unsplash / Audrey Mari)
The Bushido spirit is a constant thread in Japan’s storied past (photo: Unsplash / Audrey Mari)
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In Akita, the tale of Satake Yoshinobu, the 20th lord of the Satake clan, is well remembered. Known not only for his military acumen but also for his compassion and duty, Yoshinobu led his people through a turbulent time. In the early 17th century, the Satake clan was compelled to leave the fertile lands of Mito and resettle in the remote province of Akita.
Instead of complaining, Yoshinobu embraced the challenge as a chance to improve the lives of his people. He spearheaded a number of initiatives to develop infrastructure, enhance agriculture, and expand irrigation systems, measures that brought greater stability to daily life.
Among his most memorable acts was his response to a devastating flood in Akita, which destroyed homes and ruined harvests. Without hesitation, Yoshinobu opened the family’s granaries, distributing rice and food to those in need. This selfless gesture not only saved thousands but also revealed a deep well of compassion and a readiness to sacrifice.
The story of Satake Yoshinobu continues to be celebrated in Akita. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and moral strength of a true samurai. His enduring legacy remains a source of inspiration and a vivid embodiment of the bushido spirit.
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The only whisky distillery
While Akita is revered as a sacred land once at the heart of samurai culture—with castles, temples, and historical relics still intact—Fukushima is cherished for its natural beauty, abundant seasonal fruit, and the Tohoku region’s oldest whisky distillery.
Asaka Distillery is no newcomer to the world of whisky. Managed by Sasanokawa Shuzo, a company whose roots trace back to 1765, Asaka carries a storied tradition in distilling. Though whisky production began in 1946, it was during the 1980s that the company gained recognition with the launch of Cherry Whisky, now better known as Yamazakura.
There is something distinctive about Asaka. At the heart of its 390m² facility stand a pair of traditional copper stills forged by the famed Miyake foundry. A 790m² private cellar lies nearby, where single malts rest in barrels of oak, wine, cognac, port, or the uniquely Japanese Mizunara. Traditional methods passed down over generations, coupled with the region’s climate—hot summers, cold winters—and pristine water sourced from Inawashiro Lake, lend Asaka whiskies their unmistakable character.
In December 2019, Asaka unveiled its first single malt, Asaka The First, the first spirit fully produced on-site. With no added colour and no chill filtration, its integrity remains intact. Aged for three years in bourbon barrels, the result is a bright, citrus-forward whisky balanced with subtle malt notes.
Above Asaka Distillery stands as a living testament to over two centuries of distilling tradition (photo: Unsplash / Andrew Seaman)
Asaka Distillery stands as a living testament to over two centuries of distilling tradition (photo: Unsplash / Andrew Seaman)
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Whisky enthusiasts visiting Tohoku can explore Asaka Distillery, from the production area, where grain mills and copper stills hum with activity, to the various stages of whisky making, including raw material cleaning, saccharification, fermentation, distillation, and storage.
The highlight for many is the tasting session at Sasanokawa Shuzo and Asaka Jouryusho. Visitors can sample Yamazakura Single Malt Whisky, the distillery’s flagship spirit, alongside Yamazakura Umesyu, a whisky infused with apricot and a hint of tartness, and Yamazakura Fine Blended Whisky, a highball favourite in Japanese pubs. For those seeking something truly special, there’s also the chance to blend and bottle a personalised whisky from the house’s curated selection—an experience as memorable as it is bespoke.
