and the Japanese Bethlehem Congregational Church of Los Angeles (est.

The cultural importance of Japanese shochu cannot be overstated.the law recognizes the unique and important cultural distinctions between the two distilled products.

The clear distinction was very much needed to define and to independently categorize these two very different products among the professional liquor industry.(GWEN MURANAKA/Rafu Shimpo)RAFU STAFF AND WIRE REPORTSCalifornia recently adopted a new law that officially recognizes Japanese shochu and allows restaurants with a license to sell wine to also sell shochu.Japanese shochu could be sold in California restaurants with a wine sales license only if it was labeled as soju.

AB 416 now permits Japanese shochu distillers to properly label their product as ‘Shochu.This new law recognizes the unique cultural heritage of both Japanese shochu and Korean soju.

and many other Japanese import/export companies and restaurants.

Newsom for signing the bill into law.The first official welcoming of Waseda Friends in the Southern California region will take place on Saturday.

a traditional Japanese instrument.all while enjoying good food and company.

CA 94704; (510) 833-2150 Articles for you@media ( min-width: 300px ){.jp if you have a Waseda- or Japan-related talent to demonstrate — Japanese calligraphy.