韻「IN」Japanese Whisky Membership Community 韻「IN」Japanese Whisky Membership Community 韻「IN」Japanese Whisky Membership Community
韻「IN」Japanese Whisky Membership Community 韻「IN」Japanese Whisky Membership Community 韻「IN」Japanese Whisky Membership Community

A place for whisky lovers all around the world
Looking ahead to the future of Japanese Whisky
Together with the Cuisine, Tradition and History of Japan

Exploring the Beauty of Japanese Whisky with Seiichi Koshimizu

Led by Seiichi Koshimizu, a living legend and one of the most iconic blender in the history of Japanese Whisky,
we bring to you exclusive interviews, rare footage and informative content as
we discover the beauty of Japanese whisky combined with the cuisine, traditions and culture of Japan.

Members also receive access to exclusive merchandise and a variety of other members-only benefits.

VIDEO CONTENT

Food and Japanese Whisky

Together with Takeshi Kadokami, famed producer/columnist and an authority on all things Japanese cuisine, we take a look into Japanese Whisky's relationship to food in this series.
Seiichi Koshimizu also visits a master chef at his Michelin-star restaurant to learn how Japanese cuisine had a hand in giving birth to one of the world's favorite ways of drinking Japanese Whisky, Mizuwari and Highball.

The Pursuit of the Best Whisky

Kenichi Hashimoto is not only the owner/chef of Kyoto's famed traditional restaurant Ryozanpaku and an unique culinary artist with a MBA from Kyoto University, but is also a close personal friend of Koshimizu.

A former wine-lover, Hashimoto found a new and even stronger passion for whisky and created something he calls "Whisky Kaiseki", an original fusion of whisky with the culinary masterpieces he crafted over the years.

See how a traditional Japanese chef feels about and enjoys whisky in this series.

Japanese Whisky in a Japanese Bar

Minoru Nishida is a legendary Kyoto bartender who's name is known to everyone in the Japanese bartending world.

From the world-enjoyed "neat" and "on the rocks", to the Japan-born styles of "twice-up", "mizuwari" and "oyuwari", not to mention the hundreds of cocktails, there are countless ways to enjoy whisky.

Koshimizu and Nishida, each a specialist in their own respective field of making and serving whisky, team up to discuss how to truly enjoy whisky in a Japanese-style bar setting.

What is Japanese Whisky in the Mind of Seiichi Koshimizu?

Seiichi Koshimizu is the author of many books in which he has penned his various experiences, thoughts and values as a blender and maker of whisky.

In this series, he looks back on his past days in the field and speaks candidly on what Japanese Whisky truly means to him.

This community is managed by the Japanese Whisky International Council, a registered general incorporated association.

In collaboration with our dedicated whisky enthusiast members,
we are committed to supporting the future growth of the Japanese whisky industry through initiatives such as the planting of Mizunara oak trees.

Every person who becomes a member of this community will directly and personally contribute to the growth and future of Japanese Whisky.

To support the following projects, a part of the annual membership fee we collect will be donated annually to these projects.
The names of each contributing member will be attached (if consented) to the projects when making the donation.

Ensuring the preservation of Mizunara oak trees for future generations is fundamental to protecting and enhancing the legacy and value of Japanese whisky for centuries ahead.

"The use of Mizunara Oak is a special characteristic of Japanese whisky, and I want to pass on whisky production which uses Mizunara Oak to the next generation."

View Project Details

Mizunara as a material for casks has attracted attention in the whisky industry from all around the world.
However, it takes about 100 to 300 years for a Mizunara Oak tree to grow, after which it is ready to be used as a cask barrel.
If all existing Mizunara trees are cut down and used now, it will no longer be possible to enjoy whisky aged in Mizunarama casks in the future.
It is our mission to contribute to creating an environment in which the world and future generations can drink and enjoy whisky aged in Mizunara casks by preserving and growing new Mizunara trees.

The details of support and donations will be published on this community page every year.
We invite you to join us in our efforts in creating a sustainable environment and future for both the whisky industry and its fans.
It is our hope that these projects become the identity of all members of this community and we pledge to do our part for the world of whisky.

Membership fee

Memebership Fee￥5,500per year (tax included）

※ The membership fee is allocated toward the production of video content and the expenses associated with Mizunara oak tree planting initiatives, including the procurement of seedlings and related activities.
※ The names of all members will be acknowledged in the tree-planting video credits, and a donor (contributor) list will be formally submitted to Kofu City in connection with the tree-planting initiative.

Our activities and achievements can be viewed through our videos and articles.

2025 2nd Inaugural Planting of Mizunara Oak Saplings
2024 1st Inaugural Planting of Mizunara Oak Saplings

Our activities and achievements can be viewed through our videos and articles.

2024 1st Inaugural Planting of Mizunara Oak Saplings

Current Member Benefits

Video Viewing: Video Viewing:

While most videos are publicly accessible, we also offer exclusive content reserved for members.

Purchase Exclusive Merchandise! Purchase Exclusive Merchandise!

Our association offers products—such as spirits and glassware—that are developed or produced under its initiative or participation, exclusively available to our members, accompanied by relevant information.

Establishing a distinctive identity through meaningful contributions to the future development of the Japanese whisky industry. Establishing a distinctive identity through meaningful contributions to the future development of the Japanese whisky industry.

At the annual Mizunara tree-planting ceremony, held each May, we will submit the membership roster—comprising names and nationalities only—to our partner, Kofu City. Furthermore, members’ names and nationalities will be acknowledged in the end credits of the official event report video. Additionally, a personalized message from Mr. Seiichi Koshimizu will be delivered to the designated addresses.

We intend to organize live-streamed seminars, events, interactive Q\&A sessions, and other member engagement initiatives, with the scope and frequency determined by the growth of our community and the accomplishments of the association. At present, we are actively pursuing partnerships with bars across the country to further enhance and enrich the whisky experiences of our members.

We welcome everyone who enjoys whisky to become a member of our community
and hope you join us in this exciting journey
through the world of Japanese Whisky.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is 韻 (IN)?

This is a Japanese Whisky Membership Community which we have named 韻 IN.

The kanji character 韻 IN means "tone" or "elegance", and is most often used in the Japanese word 余韻 YO-IN, which is defined as "aftertaste" or "trailing note".

It is our hope that the content we offer here provides you with a deeper understanding of Japanese Whisky, and leaves you with a wonderful "aftertaste" in your journey through the wonderful world of Japanese whisky.

Membership Benefits:

Members enjoy exclusive access to select video content produced by our community and the opportunity to purchase featured merchandise. Moreover, members are conferred with an identity as supporters of our Mizunara reforestation initiative, contributing to the whisky industry.
Membership grants access to restricted video viewing and merchandise purchasing facilitated by our community.

How do I sign up?

Please sign up by filling out the registration form and completing payment of your annual membership fee.

You will then receive your username and password at the email address you have provided.

Proceed to Login and enjoy our community and content.

How much does the annual membership fee cost?

The annual membership fee is 5,500 JPY (payment to be made in JPY).

Available payment methods include PayPal and all types of Credit Cards.

This is a subscription-based model and your annual membership will be automatically renewed the following year on the same month.

Utilization of Membership Fees:

The membership fee is allocated toward the production of video content and the expenses associated with Mizunara oak tree planting initiatives, including the procurement of seedlings and related activities.
The names of all members will be acknowledged in the tree-planting video credits, and a donor (contributor) list will be formally submitted to Kofu City in connection with the tree-planting initiative.
(Note: Any discretionary expenses related to community activities (e.g., event participation fees, product purchases) will be incurred separately as required.)

Is there an age requirement?

We have not set an age requirement in order to register as a member of this community, however, cannot sell or provide alcoholic merchandise to any member we cannot verify to be over the age of 20 years old, in accordance to the Japanese law.

Membership Termination Policy:

Please submit a withdrawal request through our inquiry form for processing. The administrative office of the Japanese Whisky International Council, a general incorporated association, will confirm your cancellation.
(Note: According to our community regulations, we do not offer full or partial refunds of the annual membership fee for mid-term cancellations. Kindly inform us of your intent to withdraw at least 10 days before the membership fee renewal date. Upon approval of your withdrawal request, we will promptly terminate your subscription and revoke your membership.)

Events & Topic

Manufacture Limited to 40 Bottles Japanese Whisky 幻夢 GENMU Premium Red Edition 山崎 Yamazaki Single Malt
Manufacture Limited to 420 Bottles 山崎 Yamazaki Single Malt - 瞳 HITOMI
The Story of「Hihaku」- The Bizen yaki Whisky Glass. Limited to 100 pieces. Enjoying whisky in Bizen yaki,one of Japan’s true traditional arts
To become a member and contribute as a supporter to the Japanese whisky industry and its enthusiasts.
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