Board Members of the Japanese Whisky International Council
(General Incorporated Association)
Chairman of the Board
Seiichi Koshimizu
Chief Blender Emeritus of Suntory (Former Chief Blender of Suntory)
Trustees
Tadashi Sakuma
Former Chief Blender, Nikka
Trustees
Mike Miyamoto
Former Plant Manager, Hakushu / Yamazaki Distillery
Auditor
Kenichi Hashimoto
Owner Chef, Ryoshoan Kyoto / PhD, Kyoto University / Board Director of the Corporation
Trustees
Hisashi Kishi
Former President, Bartenders Association / Owner, Star Bar Ginza / Bartender
Trustees
Minoru Nishida
Owner, Kyoto K6 / Bartender
Trustees
Takeshi Kadokami
Food Columnist / CEO, Geode Corporation
Secretary General
Yusuke Fujiwara
(CEO, My Concierge Japan / Managing Director of the Corporation)
Purpose
To enhance the appeal and appreciation of Japanese whisky worldwide by integrating it with beverages, cuisine, culture, traditions, history, and regional contexts, aiming to foster growth and contribute to the advancement of the Japanese whisky industry.
Initiative
Mizunara Sapling Planting
The annual mizunara tree planting ceremony is held in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, the birthplace of Seiichi Koshimizu.
In collaboration with Kofu City, we undertake this initiative under the theme:
“Inaugural Planting of Mizunara Oak Saplings in Kofu
— Mizunara and the Future of Japanese Whisky —”
Japanese Whisky Membership Community「韻-IN-」
Together with passionate Japanese whisky makers, renowned bartenders who have introduced its excellence to the world, and culinary experts who appreciate its value as a dining companion, we explore the profound appeal of Japanese whisky.
Through in-depth interviews and immersive experiences that highlight its deep ties to Japanese cuisine, tradition, and culture, we produce video content distributed worldwide in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
We believe that safeguarding the intellectual heritage of the pioneers who have shaped the Japanese whisky industry, along with preserving mizunara oak—an indispensable element in the whisky-making process—is a crucial undertaking for the continued growth of the industry and its global community of enthusiasts.
To those who share our vision, we invite you to become a member of the Japanese Whisky Membership Community “IN.”
As a member, you will take on the meaningful role of a contributor to the future of Japanese whisky, supporting initiatives that ensure its enduring legacy.
About the Organization
| Name | General Incorporated Association Japanese Whisky International Council |
|---|---|
| Establishment | May 2024 |
| Address | 3rd Floor, Park Court Yodoyabashi Building, 4-8-10 Koraibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City |