World's First Craft Gin Umeshu 'Yii' Launches Mini Bottle! Wakayama-Origin Craft Umeshu Perfect for Beating the Summer Heat
Key facts
- World's First Craft Gin Umeshu 'Yii' Launches Mini Bottle! Wakayama-Origin Craft Umeshu Perfect for Beating the Summer Heat
- Minabe Craft Ume-shu, a craft ume liqueur brand from Minabe, Wakayama—the renowned production area of Nanko plums—launches 300ml mini bottles of 'Yii,' the world's first craft gin-based umeshu, and 'Fuu,' a drinkable mirin umeshu, starting June 15, 2026. Available at the flagship store in Gakugei University and the official online shop.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 15, 2026
Direct answer
Minabe Craft Ume-shu, a craft ume liqueur brand from Minabe, Wakayama—the renowned production area of Nanko plums—launches 300ml mini bottles of 'Yii,' the world's first craft gin-based umeshu, and 'Fuu,' a drinkable mirin umeshu, starting June 15, 2026. Available at the flagship store in Gakugei University and the official online shop.
- Citation
- World's First Craft Gin Umeshu 'Yii' Launches Mini Bottle! Wakayama-Origin Craft Umeshu Perfect for Beating the Summer Heat (June 15, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 15, 2026
Minabe Craft Ume-shu, a craft ume liqueur brand from Minabe, Wakayama—the renowned production area of Nanko plums—launches 300ml mini bottles of 'Yii,' the world's first craft gin-based umeshu, and 'Fuu,' a drinkable mirin umeshu, starting June 15, 2026. Available at the flagship store in Gakugei University and the official online shop.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 15, 2026 at 20:30
- 🔍 Collected: June 15, 2026 at 11:36
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 16, 2026 at 00:50 (13h 13m after Collected)
The innovative ume liqueur brand 'Minabe Craft Ume-shu,' born in Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture—famous for its premium Nanko plums—unveils its latest creation. Introducing a sleek, compact 300ml bottle designed for the refined adult lifestyle, featuring two signature products: 'Yii,' a craft gin-based umeshu, and 'Fuu,' a drinkable mirin umeshu. Sales begin on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the direct-operated store in Gakugei University and the official online shop.
(Left) Yii (Right) Fuu
Minabe Craft Ume-shu, originating from Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture, launches stylish 300ml mini bottles of 'Yii' and 'Fuu,' ideal for adult gifts or personal indulgence.
The long-requested mini bottle version of their umeshu is finally here! Convenient to carry and perfect for finishing in one sitting, it’s ideal for first-time tasters.
Moreover, with another scorching summer forecasted, this umeshu serves as an appealing beverage to smartly replenish citric acid, known for fatigue recovery. Consider gifting it this Father’s Day as a thoughtful summer fatigue prevention present.
Yii
Crafted with a luxurious blend of over 15 botanicals from Wakayama Prefecture, 'Sakaki Gin' forms the base. The result is a distinctive aroma and flavor profile where the gentle tartness of ume harmonizes with the signature spiciness of gin. This bottle represents Minabe Craft Ume-shu—a luxurious experience where comfort and stimulation coexist.
Product Name: 'Yii'
Volume: 300ml
Price: ¥5,500
Alcohol Content: 26%
Recommended Serving: Neat or mixed with soda water (1:1)
Fuu
A new-generation drinkable mirin umeshu developed by steeping fully ripened Nanko plums in 'Me,' a traditional mirin crafted by Kanda Toyoshima Co., Ltd., for six months. To preserve 'Me’s' subtle sweetness, the plums are selected at full ripeness when their acidity has mellowed, resulting in a gentle, smooth flavor. With low alcohol content and no added sugar, it offers a refreshing, light taste, making it enjoyable even for those not accustomed to strong alcohol.
Product Name: 'Fuu'
Volume: 300ml
Price: ¥3,080
Alcohol Content: 8%
Recommended Serving: Neat or mixed with soda water (1:1)
[Sales Channels]
Minabe Craft Ume-shu (Online Store)
URL: https://minabecraftumeshu.jp
MINABE CRAFT UMESHU Liquor Boutique (Physical Store)
3-7-13 Takanawa, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0004
2-minute walk from Gakugei University Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line
'MINABE CRAFT UMESHU Liquor Boutique'
The brand’s first physical store, offering a special space where customers can experience the brand’s concept and world firsthand while purchasing various products. Guests can taste the umeshu, savor its depth and complexity, and discover a bottle where craftsmanship and creativity come alive.
Tastings available
[Basic Information]
Store Name: MINABE CRAFT UMESHU Liquor Boutique
Address: 3-7-13 Takanawa, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0004
Opening Hours: Weekdays 16:30–21:00, Holidays 11:30–21:00 (For details, please check Google Map or SNS)
[About Minabe Craft Ume-shu]
Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the birthplace of Kishu Nanko plum—the top-tier ume brand—is Japan’s number one ume-producing region. Viewing umeshu-making as part of local culture, the 'Minabe Craft Ume-shu' project was launched to share 'Farm to Table' umeshu made with safe, homegrown Nanko plums from local small-scale farmers with the world. Currently, the brand sells through its boutique and online store, and hosts pop-up events at locations such as Tsutaya Books and GINZA SIX.
[Company Information]
Company Name: CU9 Inc. (Pronounced: Kyu)
Representative: Ryo Takada
Established: April 2021
Headquarters: 200 Kitamichi, Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Business: Import, wholesale, and retail of alcoholic beverages
MINABE CRAFT UMESHU
Online Store
URL: https://minabecraftumeshu.jp
Instagram
URL: https://www.instagram.com/minabe_craft_umeshu
(Left) Yii (Right) Fuu
Minabe Craft Ume-shu, originating from Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture, launches stylish 300ml mini bottles of 'Yii' and 'Fuu,' ideal for adult gifts or personal indulgence.
The long-requested mini bottle version of their umeshu is finally here! Convenient to carry and perfect for finishing in one sitting, it’s ideal for first-time tasters.
Moreover, with another scorching summer forecasted, this umeshu serves as an appealing beverage to smartly replenish citric acid, known for fatigue recovery. Consider gifting it this Father’s Day as a thoughtful summer fatigue prevention present.
Yii
Crafted with a luxurious blend of over 15 botanicals from Wakayama Prefecture, 'Sakaki Gin' forms the base. The result is a distinctive aroma and flavor profile where the gentle tartness of ume harmonizes with the signature spiciness of gin. This bottle represents Minabe Craft Ume-shu—a luxurious experience where comfort and stimulation coexist.
Product Name: 'Yii'
Volume: 300ml
Price: ¥5,500
Alcohol Content: 26%
Recommended Serving: Neat or mixed with soda water (1:1)
Fuu
A new-generation drinkable mirin umeshu developed by steeping fully ripened Nanko plums in 'Me,' a traditional mirin crafted by Kanda Toyoshima Co., Ltd., for six months. To preserve 'Me’s' subtle sweetness, the plums are selected at full ripeness when their acidity has mellowed, resulting in a gentle, smooth flavor. With low alcohol content and no added sugar, it offers a refreshing, light taste, making it enjoyable even for those not accustomed to strong alcohol.
Product Name: 'Fuu'
Volume: 300ml
Price: ¥3,080
Alcohol Content: 8%
Recommended Serving: Neat or mixed with soda water (1:1)
[Sales Channels]
Minabe Craft Ume-shu (Online Store)
URL: https://minabecraftumeshu.jp
MINABE CRAFT UMESHU Liquor Boutique (Physical Store)
3-7-13 Takanawa, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0004
2-minute walk from Gakugei University Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line
'MINABE CRAFT UMESHU Liquor Boutique'
The brand’s first physical store, offering a special space where customers can experience the brand’s concept and world firsthand while purchasing various products. Guests can taste the umeshu, savor its depth and complexity, and discover a bottle where craftsmanship and creativity come alive.
Tastings available
[Basic Information]
Store Name: MINABE CRAFT UMESHU Liquor Boutique
Address: 3-7-13 Takanawa, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0004
Opening Hours: Weekdays 16:30–21:00, Holidays 11:30–21:00 (For details, please check Google Map or SNS)
[About Minabe Craft Ume-shu]
Minabe Town, Wakayama Prefecture, the birthplace of Kishu Nanko plum—the top-tier ume brand—is Japan’s number one ume-producing region. Viewing umeshu-making as part of local culture, the 'Minabe Craft Ume-shu' project was launched to share 'Farm to Table' umeshu made with safe, homegrown Nanko plums from local small-scale farmers with the world. Currently, the brand sells through its boutique and online store, and hosts pop-up events at locations such as Tsutaya Books and GINZA SIX.
[Company Information]
Company Name: CU9 Inc. (Pronounced: Kyu)
Representative: Ryo Takada
Established: April 2021
Headquarters: 200 Kitamichi, Minabe-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Business: Import, wholesale, and retail of alcoholic beverages
MINABE CRAFT UMESHU
Online Store
URL: https://minabecraftumeshu.jp
URL: https://www.instagram.com/minabe_craft_umeshu
FAQ
What's the difference between 'Yii' and 'Fuu'?
'Yii' is a craft gin-based umeshu (26% ABV) with complex, spicy notes from 15+ Wakayama botanicals. 'Fuu' is a low-alcohol (8%) sweet rice wine-based umeshu, sugar-free and smooth.
Where can I taste the products?
You can taste them at the flagship store 'MINABE CRAFT UMESHU Liquor Boutique' in Hakusan, Tokyo, near Gakugei University Station.
Can I buy online?
Yes, nationwide shipping is available via the official website. Limited-edition gift sets are also offered seasonally.
Where are Nanko plums grown?
Nanko plums are primarily grown in Minabe, Wakayama Prefecture, which produces about 40% of Japan's supply, known for high sugar content and large fruit size.
What does 'Farm to Table' mean here?
It means using locally grown Nanko plums directly from Minabe farmers, creating a sustainable, traceable production cycle from orchard to bottle.