“Sweet Potato Robbin” takes the Supreme Gold; “Barley Bunny” earns Silver
Nanzan Bussan Corporation (headquartered in Suginami, Tokyo; CEO: Daiki Nakayama) is pleased to announce that two expressions from its internationally focused authentic shochu brand, SHOCHU REPUBLIC, have been awarded at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026 (TWSC 2026) — Shochu & Awamori Division, Japan’s only and Asia’s largest spirits competition.
The two entries — Sweet Potato Robbin (imo shochu) and Barley Bunny (mugi shochu) — both received recognition. Sweet Potato Robbin was awarded Supreme Gold in the sweet-potato shochu category, while Barley Bunny received Silver in the barley shochu category. Both entries submitted were awarded — a clean sweep.
A total of 189 items were entered in the TWSC 2026 Shochu & Awamori Division. Only 23 items received the Supreme Gold — the top 12%. All judging was conducted through blind tasting by distilled spirits specialists from across Japan. SHOCHU REPUBLIC’s quality and distinctive character were highly praised.
Award-Winning Products
Sweet Potato Robbin
- Category: Imo (sweet potato) shochu
- Award: Supreme Gold
- ABV: 25%
- Volume: 720 ml
- Distillery: Uto Shuzo / Kagoshima Prefecture
Barley Bunny
- Category: Mugi (barley) shochu
- Award: Silver
- ABV: 25%
- Volume: 720 ml
- Distillery: Beniotome Shuzo / Fukuoka Prefecture
What’s Next
Nanzan Bussan plans to leverage these awards to bring SHOCHU REPUBLIC to a wider audience and expand its international reach.
As a next step, the company will exhibit at the Japan Food Export EXPO (June 24–26, 2026, Tokyo Big Sight), with a booth showcasing the SHOCHU REPUBLIC lineup. The exhibition will target overseas buyers and professionals in the food-and-beverage and retail sectors, offering direct introductions to the appeal and versatility of authentic shochu.
While SHOCHU REPUBLIC has primarily targeted overseas markets to date, the company is also open to exploring the domestic Japanese market — working carefully with its partner distilleries and pursuing the right opportunities to deliver the brand’s value to a domestic audience.
About SHOCHU REPUBLIC
SHOCHU REPUBLIC is a brand by Nanzan Bussan Corporation that aims to bring the appeal of authentic shochu to a diverse range of drinkers, both in Japan and abroad, in a freer and more enjoyable way. While honoring the traditions of shochu-making, the brand collaborates with distilleries across Japan to propose new ways to enjoy shochu — through flavor, design, and storytelling.
Brand site: https://shochu-republic.studio.site/
About Nanzan Bussan Corporation
Nanzan Bussan Corporation, founded in 2018, is a trading company specializing in alcoholic beverages and food products. The company connects Japanese sake, shochu, and food producers with international customers, handling exports and wholesale distribution.
Its mission: to deliver “delicious, delightful, and fun” to every corner of the world — championing the value of Japan’s food and beverage culture globally.
About TWSC (Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition)
The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, chaired by renowned whisky critic Mamoru Tsuchiya, is Japan’s only whisky and spirits competition. Established in 2019, it added a dedicated Shochu & Awamori Division in 2020. All judging is conducted through blind tasting with undisclosed brand identities.
Company Overview
| Company | Nanzan Bussan Corporation |
| Address | Seibu Shinkin Bank Ogikubo Bldg. 3F, 5-28-16 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo |
| CEO | Daiki Nakayama |
| Founded | March 1, 2018 |
| Business | Export and wholesale of Japanese alcoholic beverages and food products |
| Website | https://www.nanzan-bussan.com/ |
