For over a century, Kirishima Shuzo has been rooted in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki — a region celebrated for its shochu tradition and natural abundance. Now, the distillery embarks on a new chapter with the unveiling of KIRISHIMA GREENSHIP icoia, a landmark project developed in collaboration with Starbucks Coffee Japan.

Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the facility is conceived as a serene, open space that invites visitors to pause, connect, and unwind amid lush surroundings.
The complex will include a botanical garden “Meguri no Mori”, a rooftop garden “Miharashi no Oka”, and an open lawn “Ikoi no Niwa”, creating a seamless dialogue between architecture and landscape.

Courtesy of KIRISHIMA SHUZO

A Name That Carries the Spirit of the Land
The name “KIRISHIMA GREENSHIP icoia” symbolizes the distillery’s forward-looking sustainability vision. “GREENSHIP” reflects the idea of a vessel powered by green energy — inspired by the company’s sweet-potato biogas power generation, while the suffix “ia” evokes connection and place, as in “Eurasia.”

The logo, composed of earth-toned hues, expresses four motifs of the Miyakonojo basin: sunset, young leaves, Kirishima fissure water, and fertile soil — together forming a symbolic sail for the journey ahead.

Courtesy of KIRISHIMA SHUZO

Life, Taste, and Craftsmanship Intertwined
Within the facility, the new flagship store “KIRISHIMA LIFE STORE ipomea” will present a refined curation of products — from shochu and craft beer to artisanal tableware, local foods, and home goods.The interior combines natural wood, Shirasu (volcanic earth) plaster, and Ryukyu limestone to express texture, warmth, and the tactile memory of southern Japan’s landscape.

Alongside, the Starbucks store — featuring approximately 73 seats — will function as both a café and community space, facing the lawn where guests can enjoy coffee against the backdrop of Miyazaki’s expansive sky.

Courtesy of KIRISHIMA SHUZO

Architecture Powered by Nature
Spanning 4,686 square meters of land with a total floor area of 712 square meters, the complex will operate entirely on renewable energy generated from sweet-potato biogas, closing the loop between shochu production and the region’s ecosystem.Parking is available for 35 vehicles, inviting both locals and travelers to spend time in the slow rhythm of Miyakonojo’s natural setting.

Courtesy of KIRISHIMA SHUZO

Redefining Regional Luxury
More than a commercial facility, KIRISHIMA GREENSHIP icoia represents a new form of regional luxury — one that unites shochu culture, architectural craftsmanship, and the global language of coffee.By combining natural materials, sustainable design, and cultural storytelling, the project transforms everyday life into an experience of beauty and awareness.


From the craftsmanship of shochu to the aroma of coffee, two worlds meet in southern Japan to create a place of calm and connection.KIRISHIMA GREENSHIP icoia is not just a destination — it is an invitation to rediscover how nature, architecture, and community can shape a richer way of living.