JAL Agriport’s Authentic Sweet Potato Shochu “Tsurusora PREMIUM” Wins the Prestigious Highest Gold Award at IWSC 2025
JAL Agriport Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Narita City, Chiba Prefecture; President and CEO: Kenichi Hanamasu; hereinafter “JAL Agriport”), the agricultural subsidiary of Japan Airlines, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the world of spirits. Its flagship product, the authentic sweet potato distilled spirit (imo shochu) “Tsurusora PREMIUM,” produced in partnership with Kitaya Co., Ltd., has been awarded the Highest Gold Award at the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). This recognition not only marks the first time a Japan Airlines–related product has been honored at one of the world’s three most prestigious liquor competitions in the spirits category but also establishes “Tsurusora PREMIUM” as a benchmark for excellence in Japanese shochu craftsmanship.
A Landmark Achievement in Global Spirits Recognition
The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), founded in 1969 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and influential competitions in the world of wine and spirits. Each year, the event draws more than 12,000 entries from over 90 countries, covering a wide spectrum of beverages from whiskies and gins to wines, vodkas, and traditional regional spirits.
The judging process at the IWSC is known for its strict standards, involving panels of industry experts, sommeliers, master distillers, and professional tasters who evaluate submissions through blind tastings and technical analysis. Winning an award at the IWSC is already considered a major achievement; securing the Highest Gold Award with a score of 98 points, as “Tsurusora PREMIUM” did, elevates the recognition to a historic level. It not only positions the shochu as a world-class spirit but also underscores the rising global appreciation for Japanese distilled beverages beyond the already well-established categories of sake and whisky.
The Story Behind “Tsurusora”
The “Tsurusora” series of authentic imo shochu represents the fusion of Japanese agricultural tradition with the spirit of aviation innovation. Developed by JAL Agriport, the series uses sweet potatoes cultivated directly on the company’s farm in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. JAL Agriport was founded as part of Japan Airlines’ broader initiative to diversify its operations, contribute to regional revitalization, and promote sustainable agriculture alongside its core aviation business.
The name “Tsurusora” combines two Japanese words—“tsuru” (crane), symbolizing Japan Airlines, and “sora” (sky), representing aviation and the limitless possibilities of flight. Together, the name captures the connection between the airline’s identity and its aspirations to create products that transcend boundaries.
Since its debut in April 2019, the “Tsurusora” line has expanded to include four unique varieties:
- Tsurusora – the original release, highlighting the pure taste of sweet potatoes.
- Tsurusora PREMIUM – a refined and carefully crafted expression that has now achieved global recognition.
- Tsurusora 50/50 – a balanced blend designed to appeal to a broader range of palates.
- Tsurusora UME – an innovative shochu infused with the gentle sweetness of Japanese plums.
Each expression is designed to showcase not only the versatility of imo shochu but also the distinctiveness of Narita-grown agricultural products.
Crafted by Kitaya: Tradition Meets Innovation
The production of “Tsurusora PREMIUM” is entrusted to Kitaya Co., Ltd., a distinguished sake and shochu producer with deep historical roots in Japan’s brewing tradition. Kitaya brings centuries of expertise in fermentation, distillation, and flavor refinement, ensuring that the final product meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
The careful selection of sweet potatoes grown by JAL Agriport, combined with Kitaya’s precise distillation techniques, results in a spirit with remarkable depth, smoothness, and aromatic character. This balance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and innovative agricultural collaboration is what allowed “Tsurusora PREMIUM” to impress international judges and secure its award-winning recognition.
From the Sky to the Table: Where to Experience “Tsurusora”
Beyond retail availability, Japan Airlines has integrated the “Tsurusora” series into its premium travel experiences. Passengers flying international business class can enjoy the refined taste of “Tsurusora,” while the product is also featured in select airport lounges, offering travelers a unique introduction to Japanese craftsmanship before or after their journey.
Additionally, the traditional-style restaurant DINING PORT Goryo Tsurusora in Narita serves the shochu alongside fresh produce from JAL Agriport’s farm and other regional ingredients. This not only promotes local agriculture but also provides a culinary experience that harmonizes land and air, tradition and innovation. For many international travelers, tasting “Tsurusora” in this setting represents a memorable cultural encounter that extends beyond aviation into Japan’s rich culinary heritage.
What Makes “Tsurusora PREMIUM” Stand Out
While shochu remains less globally recognized than Japanese whisky or sake, it has been gaining momentum among international spirits enthusiasts for its lower alcohol content, versatility, and food-pairing potential. “Tsurusora PREMIUM” distinguishes itself with several defining qualities:
- Authentic Agricultural Roots – The sweet potatoes are cultivated with sustainable farming practices on JAL Agriport’s Narita farm.
- Refined Distillation – Kitaya’s expertise ensures a spirit that is smooth, fragrant, and complex, yet approachable.
- Premium Positioning – With careful production in limited quantities, “Tsurusora PREMIUM” embodies exclusivity.
- Global Recognition – The IWSC’s 98-point score validates the product not just as excellent Japanese shochu, but as a spirit of global significance.
For international judges accustomed to evaluating whisky, rum, or gin, the distinct profile of “Tsurusora PREMIUM” stood out as an exceptional representation of Japan’s indigenous spirit culture.
JAL’s Broader Mission: Beyond Aviation
The success of “Tsurusora PREMIUM” also reflects Japan Airlines’ corporate philosophy of diversification and regional contribution. Through JAL Agriport, the airline has committed to:
- Sustainable Agriculture – Promoting eco-friendly farming methods and responsible land use.
- Regional Revitalization – Supporting Narita and surrounding communities by creating new markets for local agricultural products.
- Cultural Promotion – Sharing Japan’s culinary traditions with international audiences through aviation and hospitality.
By integrating agricultural ventures into its broader business model, JAL demonstrates how a major airline can move beyond transportation to foster cultural exchange and sustainable growth. The recognition of “Tsurusora PREMIUM” serves as a tangible result of this long-term strategy.
With the IWSC 2025 victory, JAL Agriport and Japan Airlines are poised to further expand the global presence of the “Tsurusora” brand. The award provides a powerful platform for introducing imo shochu to new international markets where consumer curiosity about Japanese beverages is steadily growing.
At the same time, JAL has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing sustainable agriculture, refining production techniques, and creating value that extends beyond aviation. The success of “Tsurusora PREMIUM” illustrates how collaboration between tradition-rich breweries and innovative corporate initiatives can elevate regional products to the global stage.
As JAL Agriport continues cultivating the fields of Narita and producing spirits that embody Japanese heritage, “Tsurusora” is no longer just a local specialty. It is now a globally recognized ambassador of Japanese craftsmanship, culture, and sustainability, carrying the spirit of Japan Airlines from the skies to the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions.