Makers Notes: It all starts here. Ideal climate, Christine, local ground water, and volcanic topography converge in perfect unison in Kumamoto, The birthplace of Kikori. A hidden gem on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan, the people of this region are generous in spirit and humble by nature. The diligent work hands of Kumamoto rice farmers meet seamlessly with the thoughtful traditions of local distillers to create the distinctively drinkable Kikori whiskey.