We Are Tomodachi Summer 2018

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17promote trade, facilitate investment,create new jobs, and bring a senseof competition to the market whileboosting the overall economy.The EPA protects GeographicalIndications (GI) as intellectualproperty, using a distinct sign toindicate a product as originatingfrom a particular country, region,or locality to preserve quality,reputation, and other valuablecharacteristics. This agreement willhelp prevent imitations from appearingon the world market—which isgood news for the shochu makers ofJapan.“The EPA will improve recognitionof the Kyushu brand as Shochu Island.Under GI protection, Japaneseshochu makers can unite their effortsto bring the real taste of Japaneseshochu to Europe. Also, the relaxedrestrictions on quantity per bottlewill allow us to export originalbottles and caps that we carefullydesigned for each product, providingconsumers with a wide variety ofoptions to enjoy.”—Kazuto Hombo,President of Hombo Shuzo Co.,Ltd. Now, for a toast…Shochu bottles from three makers.Bottle shapes and sizes differ by product,and when the EPA goes into effect,relaxing restrictions on bottle quantities,makers can use their original bottlesthat were designed for individual products.Presidents of three shochu makers. Left: Mitsuhiro Takahashi, president of TAKAHASHI SHUZO CO., LTD.Center: Shinichiro Watanabe, president of Kyoya Distiller and Brewer Co., Ltd.Right: Kazuto Hombo, president of Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd.