Wakatsuru Shuzou is a hidden gem among Japanese whisky distilleries, long established but not well known. Wakatsuru Distillery obtained a license to distil whisky in 1953 and has been producing a small amount of whisky on and off since this time. Though some Ji-whisky companies are in the habit of importing unblended whiskies from Scotland, to then blend, bottle and sell them, this is a single malt whisky made entirely at Wakatsuru distillery.

Held in a beautiful porcelain bottle, this malt has a beautiful amber colour, with a rich bouquet. Since the limited 20 bottles of the initial release have completely sold out, the second phase of Wakatsuru Sunshine Single Malt Whisky was launched on 5 April, 2013. 500 bottles were made available for sale. Distilled in 1900, and bottled on 22 April 2013.

The distillery is in Toyama - the capital city of Toyama Prefecture, Japan, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in the Chūbu region on central Honshū - about 200 km north of the city of Nagoya and 300 km northwest of Tokyo.