Izena Island is a small island, just 16.7 kilometres in circumference, located north-west of Okinawa’s main island.
It is known as the birthplace of King Sho En, the first king of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The island is home to Izena Awamori Distillery, founded in 1949 and incorporated in 1971. It is the oldest company still operating on Izena Island.
The distillery continues to preserve traditional Awamori-making methods, with almost every stage of production—from preparation through to bottling—performed by hand.
Water is essential to Awamori-making, and the distillery pays particular attention to how it is used, selecting the appropriate water for each stage of production. At the same time, it continually works to ensure consistent quality while refining the distinctive character that defines Izena Awamori Distillery's spirit.
About The IZENA
The IZENA is an Awamori made from long-grain rice grown on Izena Island.
For its seed koji, the distillery uses a custom variety produced by Ishikawa Tanekouji Co., Ltd., Okinawa’s only producer of black koji mould, using brown Hitomebore rice grown on Izena Island.
Several base spirits with distinct characteristics are produced separately, then carefully blended to create an aroma of remarkable depth and a layered, complex flavour.
The IZENA was created with the hope that people elsewhere in Japan and around the world who may not yet know Izena Island will discover its history, culture and natural environment through this one bottle—and perhaps, one day, feel inspired to visit the island themselves.
Its name embodies the concept; “Experience an entire island in one bottle.”
The photograph on the front of the bottle shows Izena Castle, which can be seen from the ferry shortly before arriving on the island. The castle was built by Samekawa Ufunushi, grandfather of Sho Hashi, who unified Ryukyu Kingdom and became the second king of the First Sho Dynasty.
At the foot of the castle hill lies Izena Tamaudun, where members of King Sho En’s family, including his parents, are laid to rest. Together, these historic sites remain powerful symbols of the island’s history.
The barcode on the back label incorporates a silhouette of Izena Castle as seen from one of the island’s observation points, allowing the castle to be viewed from both the front and back of the bottle.
The logo on the label is finished using letterpress printing, giving it a distinctive tactile quality.
The tag is made using paper offcuts from the printing process, making thoughtful use of materials while giving each bottle its own subtle individuality.
Through this bottle, we hope to express the landscape, history and beauty of Izena Island—and inspire those who encounter it to imagine the island and perhaps one day visit for themselves.
As makers, nothing would bring us greater pleasure than for people to enjoy not only the Awamori itself, but also the sense of place and passage of time embodied in every bottle.
