Aged for One Year in the Sea of Kushiro, Hokkaido! Okinawa Rice Whisky 'KOICHI' Launches Sea-Aging Project

North to South Co., Ltd. (Sapporo, Hokkaido; CEO Seiji Omoto) is pleased to announce the launch of the 'Sea-Aging Project,' a new challenge to submerge 'KOICHI' domestic rice whisky in the sea of Kushiro, Hokkaido, for approximately one year of aging. In conjunction with this, a crowdfunding campaign for project support has commenced on CAMPFIRE.

This initiative explores the changes that occur in whisky under environmental conditions unique to the sea—low temperatures in a lightless environment and natural oscillation caused by waves. Over the course of a year, we will verify how the aroma, taste, and mouthfeel develop compared to traditional land-based aging.

(Project Period: June 2026 – June 2027)

KOICHI is a rice whisky made primarily from rice. It is characterized by the softness derived from grains and the floral aroma developed through barrel aging, earning high acclaim in both domestic and international competitions. This sea-aging project is a new challenge to further expand its potential.

### Project Background
We want more people to know about 'rice whisky,' a genre that is still rare in Japan. With that thought, we launched this project not just for 'publicity,' but as a 'truly interesting and valuable challenge.' By combining the charm of Hokkaido's Kushiro sea, the power of nature, and Japanese rice culture, we aim to promote a new whisky culture.

### Crowdfunding Overview
Project Name: Rice Whisky 'KOICHI' Sea-Aging Project
Period: Please check the CAMPFIRE page.
Support: Limited quantity returns available.
Key Returns: Sea-aged bottles, tasting sets, limited edition products, etc.
URL: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/937690/view?list=watched

### Existing Product Overview
KOICHI is a brand born from the fusion of Japanese rice culture and whisky culture. Sales began in December 2024. From Hokkaido to the nation and the world, we are promoting the new value of rice whisky.
Official Website: https://koichiwhisky.com/

**Rice Whisky KOICHI 43 degrees (North Latitude 43°)**
Volume: 500ml
ABV: 43%
Price: 5,500 yen (inc. tax)
Characterized by a soft mouthfeel derived from rice, a floral aroma from barrel aging, and a mellow finish.

**Rice Whisky KOICHI 51 degrees**
Volume: 500ml
ABV: 51%
Price: 8,800 yen (inc. tax)
A high-proof version for those seeking a more powerful and rich flavor. It maintains the gentleness of rice while offering a heavy mouthfeel and strong oak notes.

Manufacturer: Kumesen Syuzo Co., Ltd. (https://kumesen.co.jp/)

### Competition Results
2025 SFWC (USA): KOICHI 51° - Double Gold / 43° - Gold
2025 TWSC (Japan): KOICHI 51° - Gold / 43° - Silver
2025 ISC (UK): KOICHI 51° - Silver / 43° - Silver
2025 IWSC (UK): KOICHI 51° - Silver / 43° - Bronze

### Future Outlook
Through this project, we will also challenge ourselves to create new liquor culture, tourism resources, and regional storytelling from Hokkaido. What kind of story will dwell in that bottle when it is pulled from the sea a year later? Please stay tuned.