The birth of Kameda Distillery began with a single, casual sentence that changed everything.
When President Dota lamented that his favorite “Taketsuru 17-year-old” was becoming out of reach, his wife simply said: “Well, why don’t you just make it yourself?”
While most would laugh off such a suggestion, this moment was the start of a profound journey.
I wondered why she could push him so easily.
The answer, I believe, lies in the family philosophy left by the late Chairman: “In our one-time life, we must bloom our possibilities and grow through our work.”
To her, her husband’s passion for whisky was not a dream, but a precious possibility that was destined to bloom.
The “Hitsuzen” of Self-Growth and Scientific Passion Fueled by that spark, President Tokida used his background as a pharmaceutical MR to build his distillery with astonishing speed.
He applied the scientific method—reading research papers, setting up control groups, and relentless trial and error—to craft “his” whisky.
From the self-malting process to the full use of wooden washbacks, every choice was a step toward “self-growth.”
As a “Japanese Whisky Expert” who once could barely drink alcohol, I recognize this as “Hitsuzen” (Inevitability). His past career was not a detour; it was a necessary ingredient to create the “beautiful” spirit I encountered in Niigata.
A Cycle of Social Contribution The distillery’s philosophy also embraces the idea that “life is meaningful when we are useful to others.” This spirit is alive in their unique initiatives:
• Eel Farming: Reusing the 70°C waste water from distillation to raise eels.
• Employment Support: Since the 1960s, the family business has supported people with disabilities, who now handle the bottling of Kameda’s whisky.
The “Zodiac” of Possibilities The whisky itself reflects this artistic and human touch. Their “Zodiac Series” explores the theme: “If this whisky were a person, who would they be?”
• Pisces: Representing gentleness and sweetness.
• Capricorn: Featuring a sweet, lingering peat.
Sipping these spirits while imagining their personalities is a joy I can’t wait to share with you.
A Message from Lito Happi My journey from Hiroshima to Niigata was a fan’s pilgrimage to a “map of life’s possibilities.” These rare bottles are the crystallization of a strong will to “use one’s life for growth and for others.”
At Bar Little Happiness in Hiroshima, I tell my guests: “Please, drink Kameda whisky now!” Inside that glass, you will find a story as warm and powerful as the stars lighting up the Niigata night sky. Your encounter with this glass tonight is, as always, an inevitable “Hitsuzen”
↓Deep Dive into the Story: For those who wish to explore the full, detailed history and my personal reflections on this distillery, please visit our original column here (Japanese): (You can use the language switcher at the top of our site to translate the page into your preferred language.)↓
出逢いは必然。Rum&Whiskyの世界へようこそ。 (An encounter is inevitable. Welcome to the world of Rum & Whisky.)
Guest Information
• Multilingual Menu: Available in 8 languages
• Payment: All major credit cards accepted
• Cover Charge: No cover charge
• Atmosphere: Quiet / No smoking (Electronic cigarettes allowed) / Solo & Small groups welcome
Visit Us in Hiroshima
We welcome guests from all over the world with our 8-language menu and a massive collection of over 1,000 whiskies.
Explore our vast range of Japanese labels, featuring an unrivaled selection of local Hiroshima craft whiskies, alongside an extensive array of fine Scotches.
No matter where you are from, your “destined glass” is waiting.
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• Google Maps: [Get Directions & View Location]
• Bar Information & Concept: [Our Philosophy, Menu, and Service System]
• Spirits Column & Distillery Visits: [Exclusive Stories & Distillery Reports]
(Dive deep into the world of whisky and rum. This site can be translated into English or Korean using the language switcher tab at the top of the page.)
