The Japan Distilled Podcast

The Latest Shochu GI: Tokyo Shimazake (ep. 92)November 20, 2025
In episode 92 of the Japan Distilled podcast, your hosts Christopher Pellegrini and Stephen Lyman take a journey to the Izu Islands to explore Tokyo Shimazake, the latest WTO GI for Honkaku Shochu.
International Shochu Day (ep. 91)October 20, 2025
In episode 91, our hosts explain the history of International Shochu Day (Nov. 1) as well as run through some upcoming events surrounding this annual celebration.
Talking Kagoshima Shochu Culture with Maya Aley (ep. 90)July 20, 2025
In episode 90, Stephen and Christopher chat with Maya Aley of Shochu Bar Roku about Kagoshima shochu culture.
The Spirit of Japan: interview with director Joseph Overbey (ep. 89)July 2, 2025
In episode 89, Stephen chats with his longtime friend and collaborator Joseph Overbey about their upcoming film, The Spirit of Japan.
Shochu Live 2025: America’s 1st Ever Shochu Festival (ep. 88)June 21, 2025
In episode 88, Stephen chats with Kayoko Akabori of Umami Mart about the 1st ever American shochu festival! Shochu Live will be held on June 28th in Oakland, CA.