Distilling Japanese cuisine's foundation—"awase dashi"—into a new spirit: A new distilled beverage capturing the aroma of katsuobushi and kelp, born in Toyama

Shin-Tajū Kenkyūsho (New Distillation Laboratory), a healthcare company engaged in pharmaceutical manufacturing based in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture (President and CEO: Daisuke Maeda), and Kane-Shichi Co., Ltd., a long-established dashi manufacturer also based in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture (President: Katsuhisa Ishiguro), have jointly developed a new distilled spirit titled "No.14 Research on the Aroma Extraction of Awase Dashi," capturing the aromatic essence of katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and kelp.

This product will be available for advance tasting at FOOD TAIPEI 2026, an international food exhibition held in Taipei, Taiwan from June 24 (Wed) to June 27 (Sat), 2026, and will be simultaneously launched in Taiwan and Japan starting June 27 (Sat), 2026.

Reconstructing "dashi," the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, through distillation

"Dashi," the fundamental element of Japanese cuisine, has deep historical roots. Bonito flakes, developed in the Edo period in regions such as Kishū and Tosa, and kelp, nurtured in the northern seas, were transported across Japan via maritime trade routes such as the Kitamaebune ships, giving rise to the uniquely Japanese culture of "awase dashi" (combined broth).

"No.14 Research on the Aroma Extraction of Awase Dashi" is a distilled spirit that reconstructs these two historic ingredients through distillation technology. By transferring the rich, fragrant aroma of katsuobushi and the refined scent of kelp into alcohol, this spirit offers a completely novel sensory experience—where the savory aroma of smoked and dried bonito harmonizes with a gentle, oceanic fragrance.

During development, the team meticulously evaluated factors such as the temperature and duration of ingredient steeping to fine-tune the aromatic texture. For the dilution process, deep-sea water sourced from Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture, was used, imparting a distinctive structural depth to the aroma.

From a chance meeting at FOOD TAIPEI to a year-long journey toward product launch

The collaboration between Shin-Tajū Kenkyūsho and Kane-Shichi Co., Ltd. began at the Toyama Prefecture booth during FOOD TAIPEI 2025. Bonded by a shared vision—"to create an authentic dashi-based spirit from Toyama that can stand on the world stage"—the two companies visited each other's production facilities after returning home and held repeated discussions on ingredient selection and manufacturing methods. After numerous trials and refinements, "No.14 Research on the Aroma Extraction of Awase Dashi" was born.

To mark this collaboration, the companies returned to FOOD TAIPEI—the very event where they first met—with this product and conducted joint promotional activities in Taiwan.

The story behind the collaboration and the philosophy behind the product can be viewed in the promotional video.

Product Overview

Product Name:

No.14 Research on the Aroma Extraction of Awase Dashi

Aroma Ingredients: Katsuobushi, kelp

Water Source: Namerikawa City, Toyama Prefecture (deep-sea water)

Joint Research: Kane-Shichi Co., Ltd.

Price: ¥4,500 (excluding tax) ※Japan

Volume: 500mL

Alcohol Content: 40%

Category: Spirit

※This product is an alcoholic beverage. Consumption by individuals under the age of 20 is prohibited by law.

【Sales Channels】

Official online store of Shin-Tajū Kenkyūsho ▶ https://shop.shin-distillation-laboratory.com/

Liquor stores, retailers, and restaurants nationwide

Advance Tasting in Taiwan: June 24 (Wed)–27 (Sat), 2026 at FOOD TAIPEI 2026

Launch Date: June 27 (Sat), 2026

Sales Regions: Taiwan and Japan ※Initial release in Taiwan limited to 48 bottles

Taiwan Distributor: KURISAKE

About Kane-Shichi Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1884, Kane-Shichi Co., Ltd. is a food manufacturer based in Mizuho, Toyama City. Originating from the trade of dried baby sardines in Mizuho, a hub of maritime commerce via the Kitamaebune ships, the company has long upheld the philosophy of "crafting flavor for 100 years," creating products that harness nature's bounty. Today, it offers a wide range of products that support the umami of Japanese cuisine, including katsuobushi, dried baby sardines, kelp rolls, dashi packs, flavor seasonings, and firefly squid delicacies.

Company Overview

Kane-Shichi Co., Ltd.

President: Katsuhisa Ishiguro Headquarters: 297 Hata-nami, Mizuho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture Founded: 1884 (Incorporated: October 1961) Capital: ¥45 million Business: Food manufacturing Products: Dried baby sardines, katsuobushi, dashi packs, kelp rolls, flavor seasonings, firefly squid delicacies, etc. Official Website: https://kane7.co.jp/

About Shin-Tajū Kenkyūsho (New Distillation Laboratory)

Shin-Tajū Kenkyūsho, operating under the motto "Separate, Understand, Share," is an initiative dedicated to creatively experimenting with distillation. Distillation is a method of separating substances based on differences in boiling points, ideal for concentrating alcohol and extracting aromas. Through research, development, and production of distilled spirits and essential oils, Shin-Tajū Kenkyūsho explores the potential of scents inherent in raw materials. Guided by the principle of "separating" scent through science, "understanding" its structure, and "sharing" the reconstructed value with others, the laboratory aims to convey the richness and allure of scents found throughout the world.

Official Website of Shin-Tajū Kenkyūsho:

https://shin-distillation-laboratory.com/

About MAE Co., Ltd.

MAE Co., Ltd., headquartered in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, is a company engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and quasi-drugs. Under the mission "To bring metabolism to people and society," the company leverages its expertise in research, development, and manufacturing cultivated through pharmaceuticals to expand into diverse fields such as cosmetics, aromatherapy, distillation, food and beverage, accommodation, and regional resource utilization.

Company Overview

MAE Co., Ltd.

President: Daisuke Maeda Headquarters: 1-18-47 Mukai-shinjō, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture Established: February 8, 1966 (Founded: 1958) Capital: ¥93 million Business: Manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and quasi-drugs Official Website: https://mae-toyama.co.jp/