🥃 Okinawa
Japan's southernmost prefecture and the home of awamori, a rice spirit made with black koji; the Ryukyu Kingdom was once based here.
If you have come across shochu, Okinawa adds another Japanese spirit: awamori. Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, an island region where the Ryukyu Kingdom once existed. Awamori is Japan's oldest distilled spirit: according to the educational material of WUN, it was produced on the Ryukyu Islands no later than the end of the 15th century. The protected name «Ryukyu Awamori» may be used only by producers from Okinawa.
Why here. The Ryukyu Kingdom traded with China, Japan and South-East Asia, and the distillation technique, according to the most common version, came from there. The historian Kanjun Higa linked it in 1933 to the Thai lao khao; later research also points to the Chinese province of Fujian. Scholars have not yet given a single answer.
Rice and mould. Modern awamori is mostly made from Thai indica rice and black koji, a local mould that tolerates the warm, humid climate of the island region. According to WUN, Okinawa is the only place where alcohol is made only with black koji.
Ageing. The term «kusu» means awamori at least three years old; traditionally it is kept in clay jugs, and by the sisoki method old spirit is topped up with young. According to Japan's tourism database, the Ryukyu Kingdom kept old stocks at Shuri Castle and served them to Chinese envoys.
Why it matters to you. The name «Okinawa» on a label alone does not indicate age or quality, so look for the words «awamori» and «kusu». The typical strength of awamori is 30 to 40% ABV (60 to 80 proof). The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Year founded | awamori production on the Ryukyu Islands no later than the end of the 15th century |
|---|---|
| Raw material | Thai indica rice, black koji |
| Legal basis | protected designation «Ryukyu» for awamori (Okinawa), EU geographical indication |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | awamori usually 30 to 40% vol. |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Okinawa → kind of → 🍶 Asian spirit traditions → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Traditions
- 🧑🤝🧑 Japanese
- Part of
- 🍶 Asian spirit traditions
- Related to
- 🥃 Awamori, 🌍 East Asia
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Shochu, 🥃 Kūsu, 🥃 Kūsu
Frequently asked questions
Is awamori a Japanese rice vodka?
No, it is not vodka. Awamori is an Okinawan rice spirit made with black koji, and in Japanese terminology it is not confused with shochu.
Why is awamori linked to Thailand?
Because of Thai indica rice and the version that trade with South-East Asia brought the distillation technique; there is also a version about the Chinese province of Fujian.
What is kusu?
Awamori at least three years old, usually matured in clay jugs or glass.
What ABV is awamori?
Usually 30 to 40% ABV, which is roughly 60 to 80 proof.
Can other Japanese prefectures use the name Ryukyu Awamori?
No. Only producers from Okinawa may use the name.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🌍 East Asia — A region in the east of Asia — China, Japan and Korea: milk became an everyday food only in the 20th century, but there are old traditions such as rushan and so; China ranks third in the world for vineyard area.
- 🥃 Kūsu — Kūsu (古酒, “old liquor”) is Okinawan awamori aged at least three years; since 2015 this requirement applies to the entire content of the bottle, and a blend shows the age of its youngest part.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
Sources
- Japan Tourism Agency multilingual commentary database: Aged Awamori (kusu) — Ryukyu Kingdom stored aged awamori at Shuri Castle for Chinese envoys; unglazed earthenware jars; shitsugi
- Waseda/WUN learning material: Awamori — Japan's oldest distilled spirit, production in the Ryukyu Islands by the late 15th century (Satsuma records); name first documented 1671; Thai indica rice, black koji; kusu at least three years
- JETRO: Awamori — kusu from three years; Thai indica rice; black koji; typically 30–40 % ABV
- Difford's Guide: Ryukyu Awamori — only Okinawa Prefecture may use the name Ryukyu Awamori
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)