Company profile
Sharing the Spirit of Amami
At Machida Shuzo, our mission is to share the culture and unique charm of Amami Oshima through the art of brown sugar shochu.
Company philosophy
“Shin wa Banji no Moto to Nasu” (信為萬事基本) — “Trust is the foundation of all things.”
This phrase originates from the New Book of Tang (Xin Tang Shu), a Chinese historical text completed in 1060, and is said to have been written by Yamaoka Tesshū during his exchanges with Saigō Takamori.
Machida Shuzo’s founder, Jikkō Machida, held these words in the highest regard and adopted them as the company’s guiding principle.
MESSAGE
Sato no Akebono, an Amami brown sugar shochu, has continued to evolve with the times while honoring the rich tradition of brown sugar shochu making.Its fragrant aroma, mellow flavor, and clean, refreshing finish have earned the appreciation and loyalty of customers both in Japan and beyond.
Since opening our current distillery in 1991, we have remained dedicated to refining the quality of our shochu and pursuing excellence in every bottle we produce.We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our customers, business partners, and the local community whose continued support has made this journey possible.
Brown sugar shochu is a treasured cultural heritage shaped by the nature, history, and people of Amami.While preserving this tradition passed down by generations before us, we are committed to sharing its unique appeal with future generations and with more people across Japan and around the world.
As we look to the future, we will continue to learn with humility and craft our shochu with sincerity, delivering products that bring joy to our customers while striving to be a company that contributes to our local community.
We sincerely appreciate your continued support and patronage, and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.
PresidentSho Hirashima
ISO-related
Quality and Safety Management Based on International Standards
ISO 22000
Food Safety Management System
Registration No.: F116
Machida Shuzo is certified to ISO 22000, the international standard for food safety management systems. Based on the principles of HACCP, we have established a comprehensive food safety management system and are committed to its continuous improvement to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.。
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Food Safety and Quality Policy
To provide our customers with safe, high-quality brown sugar shochu, Machida Shuzo Co., Ltd. has established the following Food Safety and Quality Policy.
- 01 We recognize that ensuring the safety and quality of the products provided by Machida Shuzo Co., Ltd. is our greatest responsibility and mission.By ensuring that every employee embraces this commitment and by upholding our Corporate Philosophy, we will continue to pursue the highest standards of genuine safety and quality, earning the trust and confidence of our customers.
- 02 Based on our Food Safety and Quality Policy, we establish and implement clear food safety and quality objectives. Every department and every employee understands their respective roles and responsibilities and acts with integrity to achieve these objectives.We also set goals to reduce food loss and waste, and we are committed to taking sincere and responsible actions to achieve them.
- 03 We actively promote appropriate communication, both internally and externally, regarding matters related to food safety and quality. By sharing information throughout our organization, we work to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality.
- 04 We actively promote appropriate communication, both internally and externally, regarding matters related to food safety and quality. By sharing information throughout our organization, we work to ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality.
- 05 We have established a Food Safety and Quality Management System based on FSSC 22000. Through continuous improvement, we maintain and enhance this system, and we review it regularly through management reviews to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
- 06 This policy is communicated to all employees. To strengthen awareness, knowledge, and responsible practices related to food safety and quality, we provide regular training to all employees, along with additional training whenever necessary.
Established: April 1, 2026
Machida Shuzo Co., Ltd.
President Sho Hirashima
SDGs Declaration
Our Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Machida Shuzo Co., Ltd. supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to taking proactive steps toward the realization of a sustainable society.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Steady Implementation of Work Style Reform
- Introduction of a two-day weekend system
- One paid Birthday Leave day per year
- Encouraging and supporting secondary employment and side jobs
- Introduction of Angel Leave: two days of special paid leave for male employees upon the birth of a spouse’s child
- Introduction of five days of paid parental leave at the beginning of childcare leave for both female and male employees
Good Health and Well-Being
Promoting Health and Well-Being in the Workplace
- One paid Annual Health Checkup Leave day each year for comprehensive medical examinations
- Obtained and implemented the Health Declaration Company certification (Certification No. 30-86)
- Annual health checkups for all employees, with follow-up health guidance provided when necessary
- Setting and encouraging personal health goals, such as eating breakfast every day
- Promotion and full financial support for annual influenza vaccinations
- Promotion of a smoke-free workplace, with a non-smoking allowance for employees who maintain a smoke-free lifestyle
- Mental health care programs conducted at least twice a year
Achieve Gender Equality
Promoting Women’s Empowerment
- Appointment of Women to Management Positions
Child Safety
- Cooperation with the Amami Oshima Crime Prevention Association and the local police, including membership in the Amami Police District Corporate Crime Prevention Council and the Kagoshima Prefecture Safe Driving Management Association
Climate Action
Waste Reduction
- Elimination of Plastic Packaging Film for Shochu Cartons
- Replacing Aluminum Foil Packaging with Paper-Based Materials
- Promoting Plastic Waste Reduction
Reuse of Shochu Distillation Byproducts
- Utilized as fertilizer (liquid fertilizer and biochar), rich in potassium and effective as both a base fertilizer and top dressing for crops such as bananas and sweet potatoes.
Future Initiatives
Supporting Amami Islands World Natural Heritage Conservation through Donations
Effective Utilization of Shochu Distillation Byproducts
(Use as Animal Feed and Fertilizer)
Corporate Profile
| Company Name | Machida Shuzo Co., Ltd. |
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| Head Office & Distillery | 〒894-0105 3321 Ogachi Tatsugo-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima 894-0105, Japan Tel：+81-997-62-5011 |
| President | Sho Hirashima |
| Capital | ¥20,000,000 |
| Established | 1991 |
| Business Activities | Manufacture and Sale of Brown Sugar Shochu Manufacture and Sale of Liqueurs |
| Ofiice |
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| Major Financial Institutions | Kagoshima Bank The Shoko Chukin Bank Development Bank of Japan |
| Major Products | Brown Sugar Shochu: Sato no Akebono (Long-Term Aged, Black Koji, Zuisho, Original Spirit, Gold), Issun, Amami no Mori, Kiryu Liqueurs: Amami Plum Liqueur, Amami Tankan Liqueur |
Access
- Head Office
- Address: 3321 Ogachi Tatsugo-cho, Oshima-gun, Kagoshima 〒894-0105
Tel：+81-997-62-5011
- Access to Amami by Plane
- ● Haneda Airport（Tokyo）
2 hr. 20 min. (Direct Flight)
● Narita International (Tokyo)
2 hr. 55 min. (Direct Flight)
● Osaka International (Osaka)
1 hr. 50 min. (Direct Flight)
● Kansai International (Osaka)
1 hr. 45 min. (Direct Flight)
● Fukuoka Airport
1 hr. 20 min. (Direct Flight)
● Kagoshima Airport
1 hr. (Direct Flight)
- Access by Ferry
- Kagoshima Shinko Port-Naze Port (Amami City)
Approx. 11 hr.
- Access by Car
- Amami Airport-Machida Shuzo
Approx. 30 min.
Naze Port (Amami City)-Machida Shuzo
Approx. 30 min.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our Distillery Tour or would like to inquire about group visits,please feel free to contact us.
