English audio podcast

(auto-dubbed into English from the Japanese original, with permission)

Discover how a small neighborhood bar in Tokyo became part of Japan’s craft gin movement.

In this episode of PICO’s World, we sit down with Kota, owner of BAR NICO in Fukagawa, to discuss his journey from studying in the United Kingdom to running one of Tokyo’s pioneering craft gin bars.

Topics include:

• Life in Fukagawa and its welcoming community spirit• BAR NICO’s 21-year evolution• Why craft gin transformed Japan’s bar culture• The emergence of Japanese distilleries and artisanal spirits• The origins of FUEKI GIN• How Kota partnered with a scientific glass company to help design the Fukagawa Distillery• Local botanicals and modern Japanese gin production• Building friendships through neighborhood bars

Located in Tokyo’s historic Fukagawa district, BAR NICO has spent more than two decades introducing customers to the diversity of modern gin, featuring distinctive botanical expressions from Japan and around the world.

If you enjoy Japanese culture, craft spirits, Tokyo neighborhoods, and conversations with local entrepreneurs, subscribe for more episodes of PICO’s World.

📍 BAR NICO — Fukagawa, Tokyo, Japan

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & History of Bar Nikko

01:38 Pivoting to a Craft Gin Specialty Bar

02:59 Launching Fukugawa Distillery

11:05 The Secret Flavor of Fueki Gin

13:33 Developing the Custom Tsuburo Distiller

14:52 Community Activism & Bridge Building

16:43 Bar Philosophy: Fueki Ryuko (The Fluid & Eternal)

18:29 Message to Visitors

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