Japanese Craft Gin Depicts Impact of Climate Change on Forests in Hakuba, Nagano Pref., Gains International Recognition
NAGANO — A craft gin containing eight botanicals, including angelica and mountain ash harvested in the forests of Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture, is gaining attention and acclaim overseas.
Nagano, Japan — A locally crafted gin, Hakuba Gin, is drawing international attention for its unique packaging that reflects the impact of climate change on the forests of Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture. Produced by Shinto Tsushin Co., an advertising agency based in Nagoya, the gin is made from botanicals including angelica and mountain ash sourced from the region’s forests.
The gin’s label contains details about the collection of plants, such as the date, location, and temperature at which they were harvested, while its reverse side features a forest scene visible through the bottle. To highlight the challenges faced by Hakuba’s forests due to climate change, the packaging uses wood from trees affected by disease.
This innovative approach has earned Hakuba Gin international recognition, including a Silver Cube award in May at the ADC Annual Awards, a leading international advertising design competition with a history of over 100 years. Kohei Matsushita, a representative of the company involved in the project, expressed hope that the gin will encourage consumers to reflect on the future of Hakuba’s forests while savoring the forest’s scent.
Hakuba Gin is available in 375-milliliter bottles for ¥5,500, including tax, on the website of Ethical Spirits, a Tokyo-based startup that co-developed and produces the distilled spirit. Proceeds from the sales will be used to support nature conservation efforts in Hakuba.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
