Starmark Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Masakatsu Hayashi), in collaboration with Shikoku Electric Power Business Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Takamatsu, Kagawa; President: Tatsunari Yamazaki), has launched "Ehime Ken Gin" — the 20th product in the "県ジンプロジェクト by agataJapan" — a craft gin featuring Unshu mandarin oranges from Ehime Prefecture as the key botanical. A crowdfunding campaign for early access is now live on CAMPFIRE.
Ehime Ken Gin — 県ジンプロジェクト by agataJapan
"Ehime Ken Gin is finally complete! Get this Unshu mandarin craft gin delivered to you first."
The Charm of Shikoku's Specialty Unshu Mandarin in Every Bottle
The "県ジンプロジェクト by agataJapan," planned and sold by Starmark Co., Ltd., captures the appeal of Japan's regional specialties in craft gin. Following the completion of the Shikoku area series covering Kochi, Kagawa, and Tokushima, this 20th entry marks the final piece of the Shikoku puzzle. "Ehime Ken Gin" was born using Unshu mandarin — one of Ehime Prefecture's signature specialties — as the key botanical.
This "Ehime Ken Gin" is made with the full support of Shikoku Electric Power Business Co., Ltd., a group company of Shikoku Electric Power. It features Unshu mandarin paste produced by Ikata Service Co., Ltd. — another group company — used generously as the key botanical.
Connecting 100 Years of Mandarin Terraced Fields to the Future
The Nishiuwa area in Ehime Prefecture is one of Japan's leading mandarin-growing regions, with a history spanning over 100 years. In recent years, an increase in abandoned farmland due to the aging of farmers and a lack of successors has become a serious challenge. In response, Ikata Service Co., Ltd. — driven by the desire to "pass on the mandarin industry and this beautiful landscape to the next generation" — began leasing terraced fields from retiring farmers and started growing Unshu mandarins themselves.
The passion to "protect the future of the region," combined with these carefully sourced ingredients, came together through the "県ジンプロジェクト," resulting in an exceptional craft gin.
How to Enjoy Ehime Ken Gin
The moment it is poured into a glass, the sweet and refreshing citrus aroma of Unshu mandarin — nurtured by Ehime's warm climate and the passion of local farmers — fills the air. The result is a gin with a crisp juniper berry base, leaving a gentle and fruity mandarin finish. Even those unfamiliar with gin will find it approachable and enjoyable.
- Gin & Soda: The mandarin aroma bursts forth, making it an excellent match with food.
- Gin & Tonic: The slight bitterness of tonic water and the sweetness of mandarin pair perfectly.
- On the Rocks: As the ice melts, savor the full and evolving aroma of the botanicals.
[Ehime Ken Gin by agataJapan]
- Price: 6,600 yen (tax included)
- Volume: 500ml
- Alcohol content: 40%
- Manufacturer: Tateyama Brewing Co., Ltd.
- Distributor: Starmark Co., Ltd.
About the 県ジンプロジェクト — Craft Gin Connecting Japan
The 県ジンプロジェクト by agataJapan is an initiative under agataJapan ORIGINAL — the private brand of agataJapan, Starmark Co., Ltd.'s business for promoting and selling the best of Japan. The project develops and releases one original craft gin for each of Japan's 47 prefectures, using local specialty products as botanicals.
With the motto "making everyone smile — both locals and visitors alike," the project goes beyond great flavor, using each "Ken Gin" as a catalyst for sharing the appeal of each prefecture, revitalizing local communities, and building networks that connect producers and sellers.
For the Ehime Ken Gin, the local project producer is Shinpei Daiki of 松屋旅館 (Matsuya Inn) in Uwa-cho Unomachi, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture. As the seventh-generation owner of an inn with roots tracing back to the Edo period, he joined the 県ジンプロジェクト in the belief that new ways of sharing the region's charm are essential for passing it on to future generations.
Where to Buy
The product is available online through the company's EC site and on Rakuten Ichiba, as well as at restaurants primarily in Tokyo. It is also sold internationally, including at "agataJapan.cafe YUKIMURA" inside Ho Chi Minh City's Takashimaya and in other countries. Wholesale orders for restaurants are also accepted.
- Official site: https://shinisetsuhan.net/collections/kenjinproject
- Crowdfunding page: https://camp-fire.jp/projects/942111/
