Craft Gin 'SANKA', Aiming to Solve Regional Issues in Itoigawa, Wins Superior Gold at TWSC 2026

SANKA, an original craft gin utilizing local forest resources planned and developed by the Itoigawa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has received the Superior Gold award at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026 (TWSC). It was selected from 126 entries in the gin category, with a total of 13 products receiving the same honor.

The gin was created in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, a nature-rich area where forests cover approximately 87% of the city. While blessed with abundant forest resources like cedar, the city faced challenges in their effective use due to factors such as the rise of imported timber. In response, SANKA was developed to upcycle branches, leaves, and low-value wood chips that are typically discarded during logging and milling. The product is characterized by a refreshing cedar aroma that appeals to the senses.

The gin embodies the hope of fostering interest in local resources and transforming them into a source of regional pride. Following the award, the Chamber of Commerce intends to further promote Itoigawa's resources and increase recognition through SANKA. The label design represents Itoigawa's cedar in green, its rivers in blue, and sunlight in the forest in yellow.

The project was initiated by the "Midori de Tsunagu Mirai Sozo Kaigi (3M)," a study group within the "Itoigawa Sangyo Sozo Platform," which was established by the Chamber eight years ago. The 3M group, consisting of local businesses related to forestry, meets monthly to explore new value creation from Itoigawa's forests. The gin is manufactured by Fukagawa Distillery Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.

The Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC) is one of Asia's largest spirits competitions, and the Superior Gold award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon products recognized for exceptional quality.

**Product Overview:** - Product Name: SANKA - Category: Craft Gin - Manufacturer: Fukagawa Distillery Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) - Planning: Midori de Tsunagu Mirai Sozo Kaigi / 3M

**Award:** - Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026, Spirits Division, Superior Gold (13 Superior Gold winners out of 126 gin entries)

SANKA is available in two sizes, 100ml and 500ml, and retailers are introduced on a dedicated product webpage.