Japanese spirits see growth in whisky and sake exports

The Japanese beverage industry is seeing significant shifts in global demand. According to IWSR travel retail data for 2025, Japanese whisky value rose by 44%, with volumes increasing by 37%, marking a standout performance in the duty-free sector. This growth contrasts with Cognac, which experienced one of its most significant declines in decades.

In the sake sector, Japan exported approximately 45.9 billion yen worth of sake to 81 countries and regions in 2025. While domestic consumption in Japan has continued a long-term decline since its 1973 peak, the export market has expanded. The industry has also seen cultural recognition, following the UNESCO inscription of sake-making traditional knowledge and skills in December 2024.