Karuizawa Distillers breaks ground on second distillery
Japanese whisky producer Karuizawa Distillers (KDI) has officially begun construction on its second facility, the Furaliss Distillery, in Furano, Hokkaido.
The company announced the Furaliss Distillery project last year and held its groundbreaking ceremony at the Furano Ski Resort.
The new project is being developed through a strategic partnership among KDI, Seibu Group, and Furano City. All three parties claim to share a long-term vision for regional revitalisation, whisky tourism, and premium whisky production. It is designed to serve as a destination for immersive, premium whisky experiences.
“Great whisky destinations are built not only through production, but also through memorable experiences,” said Yoshie Shimaoka, co-founder, chief financial officer, and director of hospitality and visitor experiences of KDI.
“Our goal is to create experiences that connect guests with the nature, culture, hospitality, and craftsmanship of Furano in ways that can only be found here.”
The Furaliss project is led by KDI, which was co-founded by three industry experts: Koji Shimaoka, president and CEO; Ian Chang, vice-president and master blender; and Yoshie Shimaoka.
While the announcement comes at a time when the industry is undergoing an adjustment period with softer demand and inventory rebalancing, KDI emphasised its continued commitment to a long-term strategy centred on quality, maturation, and premium positioning.
Koji said: “Whisky is one of the few industries where time itself creates value. While market cycles come and go, our focus remains unchanged: creating exceptional whisky, investing patiently in maturation, and building a company that will continue creating value for decades to come.”
One is not like the other
KDI is currently preparing to launch its first whisky from Komoro Distillery in November 2026. The Nagano-based distillery opened in July 2023.
KDI aims for Furaliss Distillery to complement, not replicate, Komoro’s style. Together, the two distilleries will explore how different climates, maturation environments, and regional influences can shape distinctive expressions of Japanese whisky.
Situated in the heart of Hokkaido’s Furano region, the Furaliss facility is said to benefit from a climate characterised by cold winters, significant seasonal variation, and a ‘pristine’ natural environment.
With average temperatures lower than those in many whisky-producing regions of Scotland, Furano is particularly well-suited for long-term whisky maturation.
Chang, former Kavalan master blender, explained: “For many years, I dreamed of creating a whisky designed specifically for long-term ageing. Furano offers a unique environment unlike anywhere else in Japan.
“The combination of climate, nature, and local culture provides an opportunity to create a distinctive style of whisky that reflects the character of this remarkable region.”
Seibu Group, one of Japan’s leading companies in transportation, hospitality, and real estate, has given the project ‘substantial support’, as well as making a strategic investment in KDI.
The project has also received strong support from local stakeholders.
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