Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory, Miyagi, Japan
The Japanese as people are too often over generalized and stereotyped as being a people that think as a group or lack in individuality. While many Japanese do express themselves through outlets such as fashion or sports, the ones that truly stand out are the ones that go against the grain, follow their dreams, and change the world in a way.
One such local hero was Masataka Taketsuru. From an early age he was interested in whisky, something not even known by most Japanese at the time. He set off to Scotland in his early twenties to study the secrets of whisky making, bringing them back to Japan along with his new Scottish wife, known as Rita.
Together they pursued Masataka’s dream of making an authentic Japanese whisky. Seeing that his company is continuing to expand after his life ended and that its whisky has won multiple awards for its excellent taste, his dream certainly became reality.
Today, you could experience a company tour of Masataka’s original distilleries as part of a free guided tour. It was opened 35 years after the first Nikka Whisky factory in Hokkaido.
Epic Japan Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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