The Birth of 'CHUNOMI,' a Sake Cup Exclusively Designed for Shochu Hot Water Mix, Born from Arita Porcelain Technology

Yamato Tojiki Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture), a specialist ceramics trading company operating a store at 'Arita Cera'—a shopping resort for Arita porcelain managed by the Arita Wholesale District Cooperative—has commercialized a dedicated shochu hot water mixing vessel, 'CHUNOMI (CHUNOMI),' through joint development with CARAVAN Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture).

■ Background of Development—Born from Real-World Challenges at the Frontline

The development of this product originated from the 'real-world challenges' faced by CARAVAN Co., Ltd. (Shochu Paradise Kinsei), which operates a shochu-focused restaurant.

When serving hot water mixed shochu at our establishment, we encountered a significant issue: the taste varied noticeably depending on who prepared it.

To always deliver the best possible drink to our customers, we tried every method imaginable—strictly managing the temperature of the shochu and hot water, introducing sake warming devices, and more. However, achieving a delicious result still depended heavily on individual skill and technique. We struggled to reach a satisfactory outcome in terms of consistently delivering high-quality drinks 'easily and reliably for anyone.'

Our sole determination was to deliver the most delicious hot water mixed shochu to customers consistently, without relying on difficult techniques or artisanal skills.

Ultimately, our focus turned to the 'shape of the vessel.'

When preparing shochu with hot water, natural convection occurs within the cup, allowing the liquids to blend. By designing a unique form that creates the most ideal convection pattern, we have finally created a one-of-a-kind cup—'CHUNOMI (chunomi)'—where simply pouring shochu into hot water results in a perfectly blended, optimally delicious drink, regardless of who prepares it.

■ The Secrets of Deliciousness: Two Functions Embedded in the Form

[Secret 1: Natural Convection Inside the Cup]

Thanks to a uniquely designed base with a precisely calculated curvature, hot water and shochu blend naturally and perfectly without the need for stirring by hand. Because we avoid using a stirrer, the aroma gently unfolds, maximizing the rich, ingredient-derived fragrance.

[Secret 2: Efficient Heat Dissipation via a Thicker Base]

When preparing shochu with hot water, using water that is too hot—such as immediately after boiling—intensifies the sharp alcoholic bite and causes the delicate sweetness and richness to dissipate.

Therefore, 'CHUNOMI' features a deliberately thicker base. This base subtly dissipates the excessive heat from the freshly poured hot water, naturally guiding the drink to the 'ideal temperature' at which shochu tastes its most delicious—without requiring any special tools.

Arita Porcelain Technology Made This Vessel Possible

The commercialization of 'CHUNOMI' was made possible by the exceptional craftsmanship cultivated over more than 400 years in the Arita porcelain production region. The subtle curvature at the base that generates convection, and the precisely engineered thickness that efficiently controls heat, are shapes requiring millimeter-level precision. These have been faithfully reproduced using Arita porcelain's unique forming and firing techniques. The harmonious fusion of aesthetic beauty and functional elegance—where every design element serves a purpose—is made possible only by the accumulated knowledge and technical expertise of the artisans from this region.

Why You Should Experience 'Hot Water Mix' Now

Over the past decade, shochu has undergone remarkable evolution. While 'soda mix' has helped shochu gain popularity among younger generations, the way we most want to share now is 'hot water mix.' If soda mix offers refreshing 'fun,' hot water mix delivers comforting 'healing' for both body and mind. The rich, inherent aroma of the ingredients bursts forth with warm steam, it harmonizes beautifully with food by gently dissolving fatty sweetness and enhancing umami, and the moment you slowly sip it, you experience a soothing sense of comfort, like 'soaking in a bath.'

'CHUNOMI' is a cup designed so that anyone can easily enjoy this ultimate hot water mix experience.

■ Future Developments—Collaborations Unique to Arita Porcelain

Moving forward, we plan to actively utilize Arita porcelain's traditional techniques in painting and decoration, launching a diverse lineup through collaborations with various kilns. We aim for 'CHUNOMI' cups adorned with the rich expressions of Arita porcelain—from traditional blue-and-white and colored designs to modern aesthetics—to become cherished companions in more settings and as gifts.

■ Product Overview

Product Name: CHUNOMI (CHUNOMI)

Material: Porcelain (Amakusa ceramic stone)

Purpose: Dedicated vessel for shochu hot water mix

Development: CARAVAN Co., Ltd. × Yamato Tojiki Co., Ltd.

Release Date: June, Reiwa 8 (2026) onward

Price: 3,300 JPY (tax included) and up

■ Company Information

[Inquiries Regarding This Matter]

・For collaborations with distilleries, and business-use (restaurants, beverage industry) transactions:

CARAVAN Co., Ltd.

Business: Planning, wholesale, and retail sales of vessels, mixers, and snacks for shochu

305, Take Station Building, 1-5-17 Take, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture

TEL: 080-2948-6930

E-mail: shochu.caravan2023@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chunomi_shochu/

Lit.link: https://lit.link/shochu-caravan2023

・For retail, gift, and lifestyle shop-related transactions:

Yamato Tojiki Co., Ltd.

Business: Planning, development, sales, wholesale, and retail of ceramic products

2351-169 Akasaka-Hyou, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture

TEL: 0955-42-6111

E-mail: office@yamatotoujiki.co.jp

Online Store: https://realita.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realita_ceramics/