Kawagoe Shuzoujo

Kawagoe Shuzojo is a shochu distillery in Kunitomi, Miyazaki, with roots dating back to the late Edo period. Under 19th-generation toji Masahiro Kawagoe, the distillery shifted decisively toward quality-focused production in order to secure its future and established its signature sweet potato shochu, “Kawagoe.” Made from locally grown Koganesengan sweet potatoes processed on the day of harvest, the shochu is crafted in a late-Meiji-era kura using Taisho-era ceramic pots and atmospheric distillation. Rather than relying on air conditioning or large-scale modernization, the distillery continues to use the brewer’s senses to guide fermentation and maintain a meticulous, hands-on process. By limiting its lineup and avoiding mass production or major expansion, Kawagoe Shuzojo has preserved a distinctive and unwavering style, earning its place as one of Miyazaki’s leading authentic shochu producers.