By MAHO FUKUI/ Staff Writer
May 8, 2020 at 08:00 JST
From left, Thouzer, Toki and Juza are featured in the second batch of the “Fist of the North Star”-themed “imo-jochu” distilled spirit line offered by Mitsutake Co. in Kashima, Saga Prefecture. (Maho Fukui)
KASHIMA, Saga Prefecture--In a collaboration with a post-apocalyptic action manga, a line of spirit distilled from Japanese sweet potatoes has become so popular that the brewery released a second batch.
Mitsutake Co.’s “imo-jochu” themed on the “Fist of the North Star” manga sold 480,000 bottles in a year after it was released in 2019. The bottles feature the manga’s protagonist, Kenshiro, and his archrival and older brother, Raoh.
The imo-jochu, called “Makai e no Izanai” (Invitation to demon realm), is the brewery’s main product.
However, the flavors of the spirit are different depending on which character is featured on the bottle.
The jet-black bottles each bear the silhouette of a character’s face and his memorable line from the manga.
For the latest batch, three popular characters have been added: Thouzer, Juza and Toki, Kenshiro’s other older brother.
Based in Kashima’s Hamamachi district, Mitsutake was founded in 1688.
Hiroyuki Mitsutake, 58, the 14th-generation proprietor and the current president of the brewery, was acquainted with animator Takuya Wada in 2017. Wada was the supervisor for the animated TV series adaptation of “Fist of the North Star.”
Inspired by the anime legend, the company released shochu drinks in collaboration with Go Nagai’s manga “Devilman” and “Cutie Honey.”
The special offers became so popular that the brewery formed a collaboration with “Fist of the North Star.”
The bottle for Kenshiro is printed with his catchphrase, “You are dead already,” while the bottle for Raoh bears his memorable line, “I have no regrets in my life.”
The collaboration caused quite a stir on social media and elsewhere, and the brewery received larger-than-expected orders from liquor shops across the country and online customers.
“The title is fascinating for its heroic characters of overwhelming strength and inner tenderness who can stir a man’s emotions,” said Mitsutake, who is also a fan of the manga. “I want you to collect all the bottles and try each flavor.”
The distilled spirit contains 25 percent alcohol. A 1,800-milliliter bottle is priced at 3,200 yen ($29.70), while a 900-milliliter bottle goes for 1,600 yen, excluding tax.
The imo-jochu is available at liquor shops across the country and at an online shop at (https://www.hizennya.com/fs/sake/c/hokuto-no-ken).
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