For a long time, I carried a single question in my heart.
Why would a man who had already achieved great success in Japan choose to cross borders and pour his entire being into making rum in a foreign land, despite countless hardships?
During my visit to LAODI Distillery in Laos, the founder, Mr. Ikuzo Inoue, finally gave me the answer he had discovered after years of struggle.
He spoke with a gentle, calm tone that carried the weight of his experience.
“Alcohol is a place where people gather,” he said.
He explained that a single glass of rum has the power to connect people in ways that transcend social status, positions, or nationalities.
It is a catalyst for bonds that would never have formed otherwise. As I listened, I felt a deep, familiar vibration in my soul. This is exactly what I believe in: “Hitsuzen” (Inevitability).
At Bar Little Happiness in Hiroshima, surrounded by 1,000 bottles of rum and whisky, I see this miracle every night.
People from different corners of the world sit side-by-side, sharing stories over a “destined glass”. Whether it is a CEO or a solo traveler, at the counter, they are simply human beings sharing a moment of “Little Happiness”.
Mr. Inoue’s mission in Laos is to craft the very liquid that makes these fateful encounters possible.
Knowing the “why” behind LAODI—that it is built to be a bridge between hearts—makes the flavor of the rum feel even more profound.
When you visit me in Hiroshima, I won’t just serve you a drink. I will hand you a piece of this grand connection. Let us celebrate the “inevitable” ties that bind us all together.
↓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.
Find Out More
• 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.)
