Takuya Sato, the guitarist and keyboardist of the popular Japanese rock band “androp,” has collaborated with the Japanese sustainable gin brand “YORI.” The result is “OKAZAKI,” a craft gin that captures the essence of Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture. It will be released on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at select Lawson and Natural Lawson (a health-conscious convenience store chain) locations across Japan.
A Special Gin Born from Musician Takuya Sato’s Love for His Hometown
This project was led by Takuya Sato of the rock band “androp,” a group active throughout Japan. Driven by a strong passion to revitalize his birthplace, Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture, the planning for this special gin titled “OKAZAKI” began.
This project is far more than a simple celebrity endorsement. Sato himself visited the Okazaki City Hall and local producers alongside the “YORI” team. Through direct dialogue with the local community, he carefully selected materials that best represent the city’s charm. The creative sensibility honed through his musical career has been applied to this new field of botanical selection.
Unique Botanicals “Upcycled” from Japanese Tradition and Nature
The most significant feature of “OKAZAKI” is the spirit of “upcycling”—giving new value to materials that would otherwise be discarded. It uses very rare botanicals that blend the traditional culture and nature of Okazaki City.
- Premium Grapes (White and Red Kyoho): The main ingredient is the “Kyoho” grape, a large-sized specialty of Okazaki City. These highly fragrant grapes, also used in winemaking, add a gorgeous fruitiness to the gin’s base.
- Traditional Hatcho Miso (Futa-miso): The gin utilizes “Futa-miso,” the part of the production process of “Hatcho Miso” (fermented soybean paste) that is not usually commercialized despite being a world-class traditional seasoning from Okazaki. This adds a deep richness and complexity to the flavor.
- Sacred “Shimenawa” Offcuts: Scraps from the production of “Shimenawa,” the traditional Japanese decorative ropes seen at Shinto shrines, are also utilized. By recycling materials that support local culture, the gin expresses a sacred aroma unique to this region.
Furthermore, ingredients such as Okazaki-produced honey and “Murasaki” barley harmonize to create a taste that is fruity yet provides a substantial, satisfying “kick.”
“YORI”: A Brand Solving Challenges in Japanese Food Culture
“YORI,” the producer of this gin, is a Japanese sustainable gin brand with the concept of “bringing new life to regional flavors.” They address the issue of food loss (food waste) occurring across Japan by utilizing unused fruits and vegetables as botanicals, pursuing both social solutions and new culinary experiences.
The distillation process takes place at the “Numazu Distillery” in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, located near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Working with highly skilled artisans, the brand is characterized by a careful production process that maximizes the individuality of the ingredients. The management team, “NO NAME DISTILLERY,” does not own its own distillery; instead, they connect deeply with producers across Japan to pack the stories of the land into each bottle.
Who is “androp,” the Globally Acclaimed Japanese Band?
“androp,” the collaborators for this project, is a Japanese rock band consisting of four members: Takahito Uchisawa (Vocal & Guitar), Takuya Sato (Guitar & Keyboard), Kyosuke Maeda (Bass), and Akihiko Ito (Drums). Since their debut in 2009, they have captivated many music fans with their precise sound design and overwhelming live performances.
Their appeal goes beyond music. Their music videos and artwork have received global acclaim, winning 11 awards both domestically and internationally, including at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France. Their constant drive to challenge new forms of expression resonated perfectly with this sustainable manufacturing project.
Where to Buy: Available at Lawson Stores in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Fukuoka
“OKAZAKI” will be sold in limited quantities at select Lawson and Natural Lawson convenience stores in Japan. It is available in two sizes, 100ml (approx. 3.4 fl oz) and 200ml (approx. 6.8 fl oz), making it an ideal souvenir for travelers or a gift for yourself.
Sales Areas (Tokyo)
- Lawson: Komae Izumi Honcho 3-chome, Komae Ekimae, Ikejiri 1-chome, Setagaya Shimouma 1-chome, Komazawa 2-chome, Tachikawa Fujimicho 6-chome, Tachikawa Wins-dori, Setagaya Sakurajosui 2-chome, Yoga 2-chome, Seijo Gakuen-mae Station West Exit
- Natural Lawson: Shibaura Kaigan-dori
Sales Areas (Yokohama)
- Lawson: Bashamichi, Yokohama Onoecho 3-chome, Higashi-Kanagawa Ekimae, Yokohama Citizens Hospital, Daiwa Roynet Yokohama Koen, Yokohama Kamariya Higashi 5-chome, Yokohama Nakamuracho 2-chome, Gontazaka 1-chome, Yokohama Sumiyoshicho 2-chome, Yokohama Shinkoyasu, Kanagawa University-mae, Yokohama Higashi-Hakuraku, Yokohama Aioicho 3-chome, Yokohama Honcho 4-chome, Higashi-Totsuka Ekimae, Yokohama Nazecho, Isogo Babacho
- Natural Lawson: Yokohama Motomachi, Bashamichi Station
Sales Areas (Fukuoka)
- Lawson: Komine Interchange
Sales will begin sequentially, so be sure to check them out if you are visiting these areas.
Experience Japanese Craft Gin at “COYORI” Bar in Hiroo, Tokyo
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of gin, we recommend the cafe-bar “COYORI” located in Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Here, they offer over 70 types of craft gin from all over Japan and more than 30 types of Shochu, a traditional Japanese spirit.
They also offer “tasting sets” that even beginners can enjoy. Why not find your favorite glass while feeling the sustainable philosophy behind “OKAZAKI”?
YORI “OKAZAKI” Product Information
Finally, here is the basic information for the upcoming release.
- Product Name: YORI “OKAZAKI”
- Release Date: From Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (sequential)
- Price (Excluding Tax):
- 100ml (3.4 fl oz): 1,636 JPY (Approx. $10.90 USD)
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz): 2,878 JPY (Approx. $19.20 USD)
- Alcohol Content: 42%
Main Botanicals: White Kyoho, Red Kyoho, Hatcho Miso (Soybean Miso), Murasaki Barley, Shimenawa, Honey, Elderflower, Hibiscus, Coriander, Cardamom, Juniper Berry, etc.
This gin is a fusion of modern sustainable sensibility and the history of the castle town of Okazaki, known as the birthplace of the historical Japanese hero, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Please experience this new taste of Japan, where a deep richness derived from miso follows the fruity aroma of grapes.
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