Why source from Japan
Kuma Shōchū GI (MAFF, 1995); 28+ small distilleries in the Kuma region; rice-base distinct from imo / mugi / soba shōchū.
Key spec
Alcohol 25-35%; rice-base light floral profile; Kuma kome-koji terroir.
Typical end-product
Premium retail spirit, fine-dining hospitality, B2B beverage-OEM ingredient.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- Beverage: per supplier; ingredient: 1–10 kg lees / 1–10 L distillate
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks (ingredient)
- Regions of origin
- Kumamoto (Hitoyoshi-Kuma district)
- Category
- Traditional materials
- Harvest season
- Year-round (continuous fermentation; rice harvest October – November)
- Japan regulatory status
- Kuma Shōchū GI (MAFF, 1995); MHLW alcoholic-beverage rules
- Japanese name
- 球磨米焼酎
- Romaji
- 球磨米焼酎
About this ingredient
Rice-based honkaku shōchū produced exclusively in the Kuma region of Kumamoto. One of Japan's GI-protected honkaku shōchū origins (alongside Kagoshima imo, Iki mugi, Ryukyu awamori, the existing batch entries). 28+ Kuma distilleries operate in this small region, all distilling rice with kome-koji starter. Distinguished by characteristic floral, light profile from the rice base. Distinct from existing shōchū entries (imo, mugi, soba) and awamori-extract.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Kuma Shōchū GI (MAFF, 1995); MHLW alcoholic-beverage rules |
|---|---|
| EU | Spirit import; CN 2208; GI under EU-Japan EPA |
| United States | TTB regulated alcohol |
| China | GACC; spirit-import licensing |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Kuma Kome-Shōchū (Rice Shōchū GI) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Sencha Extract
煎茶エキス
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea)
焙じ茶
MOQ from 20–100 kg (powder); 50–200 kg (loose).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
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Last updated: 2026-05-05