Japan’s Whisky and Sake Exports Hit a Record ¥95 Billion

Japan’s combined exports of whisky and sake reached ¥95 billion in 2025, the highest level on record and a 289% increase over the past decade, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The figure underscores how two of Japan’s best-known drinks have become important export categories as overseas demand continues to grow.

The ministry said Japan’s total exports of agricultural, forestry, fishery and food products rose to ¥1.7 trillion in 2025, more than double the ¥750 billion recorded in 2015. Scallops remained the country’s largest single export by value, but whisky and sake together surpassed them last year, reflecting the growing international reach of Japanese spirits.

Whisky and sake were worth ¥24.4 billion combined 10 years ago. Their rise has been driven by different forces but similar market momentum. Sake has gained visibility in restaurants and wine programs outside Japan, helped in part by its designation in 2024 as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage under traditional brewing methods. Industry officials say that recognition has added to interest among chefs, sommeliers and consumers looking for drinks that pair well with food.

Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said recently that sake’s range of flavors and its versatility at the table are increasingly being recognized around the world. He pointed to stronger demand from fine-dining restaurants and broader consumer awareness in export markets.

Whisky has followed a different path, with Japanese distillers expanding production to meet demand across price points, from entry-level bottles to premium releases. More than 130 distilleries now make whisky in Japan, according to industry figures, as producers try to keep pace with interest from overseas buyers.

The United States has become one of the key markets for Japanese whisky. Liz Paquette, head of consumer insights at Drizly, said Japanese whisky appeals to different consumers for different reasons, including those discovering the category for the first time and those buying bottles for gifts or special occasions.

Sake exports also reached their second-highest level on record in 2025, according to recent reporting by The Drinks Business, with shipments now going to 81 markets, including countries in Latin America. The broader export gains come as Japan continues to position its food and drink products as part of a larger push into global markets.