New Project 'Tankyu Awamori' Launched by Awamori-Loving Comedians! Gorie's Kawada and Others to Host 'Kawa-chan Island Drinking Party ~Let's Toast with Awamori~'!
Yoshimoto Entertainment Okinawa has launched 'Tankyu Awamori,' a new project to broadly promote the appeal of Okinawa's traditional liquor, Awamori. Centered around Gorie's Hiroki Kawada, who acquired the 'Awamori Master' qualification in 2025, and junior comedian Tomohiro Shima (Urasoe Window), who also holds the qualification, the project aims to 'explore' the profound world of Awamori. As its first installment (1st 'go' - a traditional unit of sake), a talk live event titled 'Kawa-chan Island Drinking Party ~Let's Toast with Awamori~' will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 'LIVE SPOT APACHE' in Naha City.
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- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 11, 2026 at 15:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 11, 2026 at 15:46 (14 min after Collected)
Yoshimoto Entertainment Okinawa Co., Ltd. is launching a new project, "Tankyu Awamori," to broadly promote the appeal of Awamori, Okinawa's proud traditional liquor. This project centers on Hiroki Kawada of Gorie's, who acquired the "Awamori Master" qualification in 2025, and junior comedian Tomohiro Shima (Urasoe Window), who also holds the master qualification, as they "explore" the profound world of Awamori. As the first installment (1st 'go') of this endeavor, a talk live event titled "Kawa-chan Island Drinking Party ~Let's Toast with Awamori~" will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at "LIVE SPOT APACHE" in Naha City.
Background of the "Tankyu Awamori" Project Launch
Yoshimoto Entertainment Okinawa promotes activities that connect Okinawa's culture and traditions to the next generation through the power of entertainment. Hiroki Kawada of Gorie's, the core of the project, moved his base of life to his hometown Okinawa. While enjoying Awamori through his hobbies of fishing and camping, he became fascinated by its history and depth, leading him to acquire the professional "Awamori Master" qualification. Meanwhile, Shima, who moved from Fukuoka, unexpectedly became captivated by the charm of Awamori, which he initially disliked, and also acquired the master qualification. The two, with different backgrounds, launched this project with the aim of "enjoying Awamori in various ways and discovering its charm" from their respective perspectives.
Future Developments: Sharing the "Current State" of Awamori through Regular Live Events and SNS
Driven by the passion to "know more about various Awamori!", the project will undertake diverse activities, including holding regular live events and disseminating information via SNS. With the full cooperation of Awamori industry stakeholders, it will offer a deeply enjoyable time, blending specialized knowledge with entertainment.
Profiles and Comments
Hiroki Kawada (Gorie's)
Born in 1973, Naha City. Formed Gorie's with Gori.
Acquired the official "Awamori Master" qualification certified by the Okinawa Prefectural Governor in 2025.
Moved his base from Osaka to Okinawa, enjoying his hobbies of motorcycling, Awamori, and camping, while also addressing Okinawa's issues.
Kawada's Comment
Amidst the declining interest in Awamori among younger generations, I will once again spread the wonderfulness and deliciousness of Awamori. Awamori, which our ancestors discovered koji mold for about 80 years ago from burnt fields and is still passed down today. I want to thoroughly delve into Awamori and enjoy this event with many people. We look forward to seeing you all.
Tomohiro Shima (Urasoe Window)
Born in 1986, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Formed the comedy duo Urasoe Window with Tsumori, who is from Okinawa. First generation of NSC Okinawa.
Works at an izakaya in Sakaemachi, Naha City, and is knowledgeable about alcohol. Acquired the "Awamori Master" qualification in 2026.
Shima's Comment
My encounter with Awamori was by chance. The more I drank, the more captivated I became, and it became something I wanted to know more about. Studying for the Master's was enjoyable, and rather than just talking about it, I want to enjoy it with various people. I hope to be able to convey the charm of Awamori, however small, both within and outside the prefecture.
"Tankyu Awamori" 1st 'Go' "Kawa-chan Island Drinking Party ~Let's Toast with Awamori~" Overview
Date (1st 'go'): Saturday, May 30, 2026, Doors open 13:30 / Performance starts 14:00
Performers: Gorie's Kawada, Urasoe Window Shima
Guests: Gaku Sakumoto (Zuisen Brewery), Tetsuya Kawaguchi (Editor-in-Chief of Awamori Shinbun)
Venue: LIVE SPOT APACHE (Cocktail Plaza 6F, 1-34-3 Matsuyama, Naha City)
Tickets on sale: Advance 3000 yen / At-door 3500 yen (drinks extra)
FANY Ticket: https://ticket.fany.lol/reception/41053/36944
Inquiries: Yoshimoto Entertainment Okinawa 098-861-5141 (Weekdays 10:00-18:00)
At the venue, you can also enjoy cocktails recommended by Awamori Masters.
◆Future Live Dates: 2nd 'go' August 29 (Sat), 3rd 'go' November 28 (Sat), 4th 'go' February 27, 2027 (Sat)
We will welcome various guests each time and delve deeper into Awamori with our customers!!
◆SNS: note, YouTube, Instagram: Distillery reports, event announcements/reports, Awamori diary, etc., will be disseminated.
Keywords:
Background of the "Tankyu Awamori" Project Launch
Yoshimoto Entertainment Okinawa promotes activities that connect Okinawa's culture and traditions to the next generation through the power of entertainment. Hiroki Kawada of Gorie's, the core of the project, moved his base of life to his hometown Okinawa. While enjoying Awamori through his hobbies of fishing and camping, he became fascinated by its history and depth, leading him to acquire the professional "Awamori Master" qualification. Meanwhile, Shima, who moved from Fukuoka, unexpectedly became captivated by the charm of Awamori, which he initially disliked, and also acquired the master qualification. The two, with different backgrounds, launched this project with the aim of "enjoying Awamori in various ways and discovering its charm" from their respective perspectives.
Future Developments: Sharing the "Current State" of Awamori through Regular Live Events and SNS
Driven by the passion to "know more about various Awamori!", the project will undertake diverse activities, including holding regular live events and disseminating information via SNS. With the full cooperation of Awamori industry stakeholders, it will offer a deeply enjoyable time, blending specialized knowledge with entertainment.
Profiles and Comments
Hiroki Kawada (Gorie's)
Born in 1973, Naha City. Formed Gorie's with Gori.
Acquired the official "Awamori Master" qualification certified by the Okinawa Prefectural Governor in 2025.
Moved his base from Osaka to Okinawa, enjoying his hobbies of motorcycling, Awamori, and camping, while also addressing Okinawa's issues.
Kawada's Comment
Amidst the declining interest in Awamori among younger generations, I will once again spread the wonderfulness and deliciousness of Awamori. Awamori, which our ancestors discovered koji mold for about 80 years ago from burnt fields and is still passed down today. I want to thoroughly delve into Awamori and enjoy this event with many people. We look forward to seeing you all.
Tomohiro Shima (Urasoe Window)
Born in 1986, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Formed the comedy duo Urasoe Window with Tsumori, who is from Okinawa. First generation of NSC Okinawa.
Works at an izakaya in Sakaemachi, Naha City, and is knowledgeable about alcohol. Acquired the "Awamori Master" qualification in 2026.
Shima's Comment
My encounter with Awamori was by chance. The more I drank, the more captivated I became, and it became something I wanted to know more about. Studying for the Master's was enjoyable, and rather than just talking about it, I want to enjoy it with various people. I hope to be able to convey the charm of Awamori, however small, both within and outside the prefecture.
"Tankyu Awamori" 1st 'Go' "Kawa-chan Island Drinking Party ~Let's Toast with Awamori~" Overview
Date (1st 'go'): Saturday, May 30, 2026, Doors open 13:30 / Performance starts 14:00
Performers: Gorie's Kawada, Urasoe Window Shima
Guests: Gaku Sakumoto (Zuisen Brewery), Tetsuya Kawaguchi (Editor-in-Chief of Awamori Shinbun)
Venue: LIVE SPOT APACHE (Cocktail Plaza 6F, 1-34-3 Matsuyama, Naha City)
Tickets on sale: Advance 3000 yen / At-door 3500 yen (drinks extra)
FANY Ticket: https://ticket.fany.lol/reception/41053/36944
Inquiries: Yoshimoto Entertainment Okinawa 098-861-5141 (Weekdays 10:00-18:00)
At the venue, you can also enjoy cocktails recommended by Awamori Masters.
◆Future Live Dates: 2nd 'go' August 29 (Sat), 3rd 'go' November 28 (Sat), 4th 'go' February 27, 2027 (Sat)
We will welcome various guests each time and delve deeper into Awamori with our customers!!
◆SNS: note, YouTube, Instagram: Distillery reports, event announcements/reports, Awamori diary, etc., will be disseminated.
Keywords: