The People Of Suntory
The Art of The Japanese People
The best Japanese artisans never add or take away, only heighten the beauty and spirit that lives deep within every ingredient. They are humble enough to acknowledge that their art can only be as great as the intrinsic richness of each ingredient. There is a surprising humility within their art, whether in the blending or the distillation. At every stage in creating the whisky, this relationship between their craft, nature and humility inspires their uncompromising pursuit of taste.
The Pioneer: Shinjiro Torii
(1879-1962)
Legendary founder Shinjiro Torii is remembered as a true pioneer of Japanese spirits. Known as “the nose of Osaka,” he became Japan’s first Master Blender and the Father of Japanese Whisky, shaping Western-style liquors to suit the Japanese palate.
Shinjiro’s journey began with the import of Spanish wines, but their bold, foreign character failed to resonate locally. This setback inspired him to create an original blend designed for Japanese tastes. In 1907, he introduced Akadama (Red Circle) Port Wine, symbolizing the rising sun and his belief that “the sun gives life to all beings.” Its success led to the establishment of the Osaka Plant in 1919.
Driven by an unyielding spirit of Yatte Minahare—a never-give-up mindset—Shinjiro pursued his ultimate dream: crafting an authentic Japanese whisky rooted in nature and craftsmanship (Monozukuri). Despite strong opposition, he founded the Yamazaki Distillery in 1923. After years of trial and refinement, he succeeded in 1937 with the launch of Suntory Whisky, later affectionately known as “Kakubin.” Today, Kakubin remains Japan’s #1-selling whisky by value.
The Culturalist: Keizo Saji
(1919-1999)
Renowned haiku poet, Second Generation Master Blender, and Patron of the Arts, Keizo Saji carried forward his father Shinjiro Torii’s vision while transforming Suntory into a global leader. Born in Osaka in 1919, Keizo became president of Kotobukiya in 1961 and renamed the company Suntory Limited in 1963, honoring the success of Suntory Whisky, Kakubin.
Under Keizo’s leadership, Suntory grew not only into one of the world’s leading spirits and beer companies, but also a champion of Japanese culture and the arts. He established “Giving Back to Society” as a core pillar of the company, founding the Suntory Museum of Art in 1961 and later the iconic Suntory Hall in Tokyo in 1986—now regarded as Japan’s most prestigious concert hall. Throughout his tenure, Keizo dedicated nearly one-third of Suntory’s profits to enriching society and culture.
As Master Blender, Keizo remained committed to crafting original Japanese whiskies rooted in nature and craftsmanship (Monozukuri). He expanded Suntory’s whisky-making legacy with the Chita Grain Distillery (1972) and Hakushu Distillery (1973). This journey culminated in the launch of Yamazaki Single Malt in 1984, followed by Hibiki in 1989—symbolizing harmony with nature—and Hakushu Single Malt in 1994, completing Suntory’s luxury whisky portfolio.
The Purist: Shingo Torii
Shingo Torii, grandson of founder Shinjiro Torii, is the Third Generation Master Blender of the House of Suntory and the visionary who brought Japanese whisky onto the global stage. Known for his uncompromising pursuit of quality, Shingo is a true purist—relentless, exacting, and never fully satisfied. His “no compromise” philosophy elevated Suntory’s reputation, setting new standards for excellence in whisky making.
That dedication was recognized in 2003 when Yamazaki 12 Year Old was awarded a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge in the UK—an historic moment that placed Japanese whisky firmly on the world map. Since then, Suntory Whisky has been named Distiller of the Year four times at the ISC, cementing its status among the world’s most prestigious whisky houses.
Under Shingo’s leadership, the House of Suntory continues to balance heritage and innovation, challenging conventions while remaining devoted to craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
