SHOCHU RISING

November 2-3, 2025

Taste. Pair. Discover.
From Japan to Los Angeles, twelve shochu makers gather.
Experience authentic spirits with food made to match.

Meet Japan’s Top Shochu Makers
and Find Your Next Great Pairing

Event Highlights

Twelve shochu makers from Japan will gather in Los Angeles to showcase Honkaku Shochu. This traditional spirit is made with koji and distilled in a pot still, highlighting the unique character of its base ingredients. Crafted to be enjoyed with food, it offers a wide range of pairing possibilities.

Over two days, food and beverage professionals can explore the classic ways to savor it, discover pairing ideas, and hear from speakers sharing the foundations of shochu.

Seminar & Tasting for Food Industry Professionals and Consumers

Sun, Nov 2

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

JRA Sushi & Sake Festival – Special Shochu Room
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown
120 S Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(CALIFORNIA BALLROOM)

At the annual Sushi & Sake Festival hosted by JRA, the dedicated Shochu Room will feature twelve shochu producers from Japan.
Guests can explore the distinctive character of Honkaku Shochu through tastings presented by the producers and side-by-side comparisons.
Guest speakers at the Shochu Booth will also share insights on how shochu pairs with food, creating a richer experience that blends flavor with knowledge.

Program Schedule

Seminar & Tasting for Media and Invited Guests

Mon, Nov 3

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Attendance is limited to media representatives and invited guests. RSVP is required.

JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
6801 Hollywood Blvd., Level 5
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Experience Honkaku Shochu through tastings presented by twelve shochu producers from Japan.

Guest speakers will share the proper ways to enjoy shochu and its natural pairing with a wide variety of foods.
A guest bartender will also serve shochu cocktails, showcasing both familiar and creative styles of drinking.

Enjoy Shochu and food pairing by UKA, a Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki restaurant, featuring eight buffet-style dishes that perfectly match each Shochu.

Hosted by
Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles
Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association

Supported by
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles

DAY I & DAY II

Guest Speaker

William Weston
Certified Shochu Advisor
F&B Professional

Billy is a lifelong restaurant veteran who has worked at all levels of service with over 15 years in hospitality. He has most recently worked at Whisler’s as GM while working on opening a project in Bastrop for the One Trick Rabbit team, and spent 5 years prior working as the GM + Beverage Director of award-winning Otoko + Watertrade in Austin. Prior to his move to Texas, he worked with a number of lauded bars + restaurants in Massachusetts, including Strangers & Saints, Nor’East Beer Garden, Bronwyn Somerville, Myers & Chang, The Beehive + more.

Billy brings a blend of fun-loving vibes + organizational structure to the team that helps everyone thrive. With a love of food + beverage from all cultures, he is always exploring new concepts. As a leader in hospitality, it’s his warmth and genuine nature that draws guests back time and again.

DAY II

Guest Bartender

Tom G. Liu
Head Bartender
Thunderbolt, Los Angeles, CA

A San Francisco Bay Area native now based in Los Angeles, Tom began his hospitality career as a snack bar attendant on Alcatraz Island while studying at UC Berkeley. Over the years, he has honed his craft behind some of the country’s most innovative bars and now serves as the head bartender of Thunderbolt, Los Angeles—a technique-driven venue consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Passionate about precision and creativity, Tom will showcase exclusive cocktails crafted to pair beautifully with Honkaku Shochu at the event.