Fukushima Ouse Winery Transferred to Local Authorities as Recovery Efforts Continue

The Fukushima Ouse Winery, located in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, is set to transition from a disaster relief initiative to municipal ownership. The Mitsubishi Corporation Disaster Relief Foundation, which has contributed significantly to the region's recovery following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, has announced that it will hand over the winery to the local authorities by the end of March.

IS Holdings Co., a firm specializing in information technology and financial services, plans to lease the winery from Koriyama and will assume operational control in April. This decision reflects the foundation's belief that the winery's business model is now self-sustaining rather than reliant on ongoing assistance.

Established in 2015, the winery occupies a 9,000-square-meter site that was leased from the city as part of a broader recovery effort. With an investment amounting to 1.3 billion yen ($8.2 million), the facility includes advanced winemaking equipment, a distillation still for brandy, and a retail outlet. Initially, the winery focused on local fruit production, offering cider and liqueurs made from regional apples, peaches, and pears.

In a pioneering effort, the winery collaborated with local farmers and government bodies to grow grapes for wine production, which had not previously been cultivated in Koriyama. This initiative resulted in the marketing of their first wine, branded as Koriyama Wine, in 2019. Hisanao Okawara, the winery's director, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that grape cultivation in the area posed challenges due to climatic conditions.

As grape yields gradually increase, expectations for production are projected to reach 55 tons by fiscal 2024, enabling the creation of approximately 35,000 liters of wine. The locally produced Koriyama Wine is priced between 2,100 yen to 3,000 yen per bottle and has gained traction as a reputable regional product, appealing to a broad audience with its lower alcoholic content.

Through this venture, Mitsubishi Corporation aims to generate employment opportunities in the region affected by the disaster and promote a viable business model rather than temporary charity. Mitsubishi President Ken Kobayashi underlined that fostering sustainable businesses would provide genuine support to those impacted by the disaster.

IS Holdings has plans to expand wine production and increase sales, as well as leverage the winery as a tourist destination. The company's commitment to enhancing the winery’s profile is driven by a hope to share its unique attractions with a wider audience, emphasizing the connection to the local culture and recovery efforts.