4th Annual Shochu on the Rocks

4th Annual Shochu on the Rocks

We are super excited to announce the 4th annual Shochu on the Rocks — an evening dedicated entirely to Shochu (焼酎), one of Japan’s most treasured and traditional spirits.

This Year’s Highlight
For the first time, we are presenting the documentary film, The Spirit of Japan, a rare cinematic portrait of the Wakamatsu family of Kagoshima, who have been making shochu at their Yamatozakura Distillery since the 1850s. The film follows 5th-generation toji Tekkan Wakamatsu as he carries on traditions passed down by his father while navigating the challenges of family life and modern change. Directed by Joseph Overbey and produced by Stephen Lyman, the film offers an intimate look at rural craftsmanship and daily life. Watch the trailer here.

Your Ticket Includes

• Private screening of The Spirit of Japan (45 min)
• Live Q&A with Director Joseph Overbey
• Tasting of premium Honkaku shochu, including Yamatozakura (featured in the film) plus additional selections of Honkaku shochu carefully curated by Stephen Lyman & Christopher Pellegrini from the Japan Distilled Podcast.
• 10% OFF any shochu orders placed at the event

About Shochu on the Rocks

The name “Shochu on the Rocks” carries a double meaning: not only does it celebrate one of the classic ways to enjoy shochu—poured over ice—but it also symbolizes the spirit of adventure and discovery, like climbing a mountain rock by rock, uncovering something new at every step. Each year, this event invites you to take that journey of exploration with us.