A new craft gin capturing the essence of Hakuba Village's forests through scent launches on February 18th, 2026. "HAKUBA GIN" features botanicals sourced from plants native to the region.
Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo / Nagoya, Aichi; President: Tetsuya Tani) developed this unique gin in collaboration with Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd., a distilling startup. The concept centers on recording the "current state" of Hakuba's forests—which are constantly changing due to climate change—through aroma.
A portion of sales will support natural conservation activities in Hakuba Village, creating a cycle where enjoying the forest's bounty helps protect it.
Online Shop
https://shop.ethicalspirits.jp/products/hakuba_gin
Project Website
https://cdstudio.jp/hakuba-gin/
Background
Hakuba Village, one of Japan's premier mountain resorts, benefits from a rich natural environment. However, recent years have seen concerns about forest environment changes due to climate change. The "HAKUBA GIN" project was born to preserve the ever-changing nature as "aromatic records" by harvesting plants growing in the forest at different times and crafting them into gin.
The creators hope that while enjoying the refreshing aroma reminiscent of walking through Hakuba's forests, people will contemplate the nature they want to preserve.
Product Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | HAKUBA GIN |
| Volume | 375ml |
| Alcohol Content | 43% |
| Price | ¥5,000 (excluding tax) |
| Release Date | February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Sales Channels | Select restaurants in Hakuba Village, Online store |
| Manufacturer | Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd. |
| Distributor | Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd. |
Botanicals Used (Hakuba Village Origin)
Shishiudo / Nanakamado / Kumazasa / Koshiabura / Misogawaso / Tamushiba / Kuromoji / Hooba
*All botanicals are harvested around Donguri Village and Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden under expert supervision using methods that do not burden the trees.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/Him5-QPXDFs
Product Features
1. Label Design Recording the Forest's "Now"
The label displays the date, location (latitude and longitude), and temperature when botanicals were harvested. This "records" the forest's state on that particular day through gin.
2. Mystical Bottle Design Where the Forest Appears Beyond the Gin
The photos used on the label show the actual forest landscape where botanicals were harvested. By printing the label on both sides and affixing it to the back of the bottle, they've created a mystical design where you view the forest scenery through the gin liquid.
3. Special Book-Style Package Using "Oak Wilt" Timber
Using timber affected by "oak wilt"—a problem in Hakuba Village in recent years—they created a book-style package. It contains information to deeply understand the natural conservation message and botanicals behind HAKUBA GIN.
*The book-style package is currently viewable at select restaurants in Hakuba Village. It is not available for general sale.
4. Proceeds Support Hakuba Village's Natural Conservation Activities
A portion of "HAKUBA GIN" sales will support natural conservation activities in Hakuba Village. They aim for a sustainable cycle where people enjoy the forest's bounty as gin, and the proceeds return to activities protecting the forest.
Collaboration Born from GREEN WORK HAKUBA
HAKUBA GIN originated from "GREEN WORK HAKUBA" (a project jointly organized by Shinto Tsushin Co., Ltd. and Hakuba Village Tourism Bureau, where Hakuba Village businesses and partner companies gather to create the village's future based on circular economy principles). Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd. participated in this event and collaborated on this gin production to convey the magnificence of Hakuba Village's nature and express wishes for its sustainability.
Manufacturing Partner
Ethical Spirits Co., Ltd. (The Ethical Spirits & Co.)
A distilling startup that promotes new manufacturing culture through craft gin that brings out the value of unused materials. They work toward realizing a circular society through their unique approach called regenerative distillation.
Sales Information
Release Date: February 18, 2026 (Thursday)
Sales Channels: Select restaurants in Hakuba Village, Online store
Price: ¥5,000 (excluding tax)
Sales Page: https://shop.ethicalspirits.jp/products/hakuba_gin
