From Nagano to the Future. "NAORAI" Aims to Revitalize Sake Breweries with New Japanese Sake "JOCHU", Secures Investment to Accelerate Business

NAORAI, which produces and sells "JOCHU", a "third type of Japanese sake"* utilizing its proprietary patented "Low-Temperature Distillation®" method to distill Japanese sake and aims to revitalize sake breweries through its business, announces that NAGANO Naorai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, Co-representatives: Koichiro Miyake, Yoshio Kimura), which handles business development in Nagano Prefecture together with Erimo Co., Ltd., has been selected as an investee of the "Shinshu Startup & Succession Support No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership" managed by MiraiDoor Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Daisuke Sawada) and received investment in March 2026. This project is a collaborative investment with 82 Nagano Bank and Nagano Shinkin Bank. Through this, NAGANO Naorai will accelerate the development of the "Zenko-ji Monzen Joryu-jo (tentative name)" scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, and advance the establishment of a production system for the new Japanese sake "JOCHU" using Nagano Prefecture-produced Japanese sake as raw material. * "JOCHU" is classified as "Spirits" or "Liqueur" under tax law.

The logo design for NAGANO Naorai was created by Eisuke Tachikawa of NOSIGNER Inc.

【Project Details】

This wooden warehouse, over 150 years old, was once used as a rice wholesaler. A new initiative that leverages its value is beginning in this historic building, close to Nagano Station.

The Zenko-ji Monzen Joryu-jo will utilize an existing building near the Zenko-ji approach, with a planned small-scale distillery covering approximately 115 square meters. "JOCHU" will be produced using local sake from Nagano Prefecture as raw material, leveraging the region's unique terroir. Furthermore, the Zenko-ji Monzen Joryu-jo will serve as a hub for disseminating Nagano's sake and fermentation culture, collaborating with restaurants, department stores, and tourism, with future overseas expansion in mind.

Facility Name: Zenko-ji Monzen Joryu-jo (Under preparation)

Location: 1543-10 Minami-Nagano Shindenmachi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture (Near the main approach to Zenko-ji Temple)

Scheduled Opening: Summer 2026

【What is "JOCHU", the Third Type of Japanese Sake?】

JOCHU is a spirit made from Japanese sake, carefully crafted by Toji (master brewers) and Kurabito (brewery workers), which is then distilled using NAORAI's proprietary patented "Low-Temperature Distillation®" method. While increasing the alcohol content through distillation, it condenses the aroma derived from the original Japanese sake. Another significant feature is its suitability for long-term aging in barrels. The aroma retains the characteristics of Japanese sake, while the palate finishes cleanly like spirits or whiskey. It is positioned as an unprecedented "third type of Japanese sake," distinct from both Japanese sake and shochu. Furthermore, because the raw material is Japanese sake, regional characteristics are expressed, which is also a charm. By using local Nagano sake, we will cultivate JOCHU that allows enjoyment of the differences in aroma and taste of each region.

【About Shinshu SS No. 2 Investment Fund】

The "Shinshu Startup & Succession Support No. 2 Investment Limited Partnership" is a fund established to support startups and business succession within Nagano Prefecture, operated by MiraiDoor Inc. as the General Partner. In collaboration with regional financial institutions and local governments, it aims to foster industry creation and revitalize the regional economy in Nagano Prefecture. NAORAI's initiative, which aims to create new sake and circulate the regional industry by leveraging Nagano's sake culture, was recognized and selected as an investee for this fund.

【MiraiDoor Inc.】

We engage in "Regional Revitalization Funds" to support venture companies in the region, "CVC Funds" to promote open innovation for corporations, and "Theme-based Funds" that support industry revitalization by focusing on specific investment areas. In addition to financial investment, we also provide support for business development, human resource development, and business consulting for long-term business continuity.

Company HP: https://www.fvc.co.jp/

Company Name: MiraiDoor Inc. AI Fusion Capital Group Co., Ltd.

(100% subsidiary of TSE Standard Securities Code 254A)

Chairman and CEO: Daisuke Sawada

Headquarters: 1-9-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

【Comments】

Sato Ishizaka

Sato Ishizaka, Deputy General Manager, Investment Department, Investment Officer, MiraiDoor Inc.

This startup was established to develop an innovative business model originating from Shinshu, which elevates Shinshu's Japanese sake into a premium luxury spirit called "JOCHU" using NAORAI's unique "Low-Temperature Distillation" technology. Through our support for this company, we expect to achieve high added value for regional resources (sake breweries, old folk houses), cultural inheritance, and regional revitalization. For these reasons, we decided to invest through the Shinshu SS No. 2 Fund. We will provide solid support to this company, which aims for sustainable growth rooted in the region, in collaboration with Nagano Prefecture and the fund's investors.

Koichiro Miyake

Koichiro Miyake, Co-Representative, NAGANO Naorai Co., Ltd.

The "JOCHU" we are developing is a "third type of Japanese sake" created by low-temperature distillation of Japanese sake. We are deeply honored to be involved in creating new value together with the brewers of traditional sake breweries in Nagano, a sacred place for sake brewing with a rich history. Leveraging our experience in Hiroshima and Noto, where we are already engaged in distillation, we will, as a member of the community, nurture this facility near the Zenko-ji approach into a place loved by the local people. We will produce "Nagano-produced JOCHU" that will spread globally from Nagano, serving as a bridge to connect Shinshu's sake culture to the world and to the next generation.

Yoshio Kimura

Yoshio Kimura, Co-Representative, NAGANO Naorai Co., Ltd.

Shinshu Nagano has many delicious things. As a local company supporting the region, I want to take on the challenge of producing the new Japanese sake "JOCHU" and further disseminate Nagano's new tastes and culture. I will strive to create sake that allows visitors to Nagano and local residents to experience new inspirations. My philosophy is "Passion Connects the Future." Please enjoy this JOCHU from Shinshu Nagano.

Company Overview

Company Name: NAORAI Co., Ltd.

Established: April 2015

Representative: Koichiro Miyake, President and CEO

Location: Sankato Headquarters / 3960 Sankato, Toyocho, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Tokyo Office / 5F social hive HONGO, 3-30-10 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Sake Brewery: NAORAI Jinsekikogen Co., Ltd. Jinseki Joryu-jo / 1729-3 Obata, Jinsekikogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture

Business Activities: Production and sale of spirits such as JOCHU

Company Name: NAGANO Naorai Co., Ltd.

Established: July 2025

Representatives: Koichiro Miyake, Yoshio Kimura

Location: 3-5-1 Aokijima, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

Business Activities: Production and sale of spirits such as JOCHU

HP:https://naorai.co/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/naoraiinc

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

X:https://twitter.com/Naorai_JP

Podcast:https://x.gd/KIdFB

【To Media Representatives】

We are accepting interviews and coverage requests regarding the vision and business of Representative Koichiro Miyake at any time. Please contact the inquiry point. Interviews can be accommodated in Hiroshima, Ishikawa, Nagano, and Tokyo.