Nikka Whisky was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the “Father of Japanese Whisky,” after he learned the art of distillation in Scotland, where he met and married the Scottish Jessie Roberta (Rita) Cowan. His journey began with the creation of "Dai Nippon Kaju Co., Ltd." in Yoichi, Hokkaido, where distillation started in 1936 and the first whisky was launched in 1940. The company, now part of the Asahi Group, continues its tradition of excellence and innovation, expanding its business globally.
