Date and time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 16:00-22:00
Venue: Gohan Cafe SOU (1775 Hagiwara, Uda City, Nara Prefecture)
Organizer: ShoGin.JP / andground LLC Participants: 75 people (over 80 people including staff and related parties)
It was a hugely successful six hours from start to finish.
Reasons for choosing Uda as the setting
It all started in December 2024, when I met Jor-san while eating spicy curry.
When I mentioned at a spice curry restaurant that I was thinking of opening a gin distillery in Uda, Nara,
"Actually, there's a spice izakaya run by someone from Uda. Shall I introduce it to you?"
The connection that began from that exchange led to this event.
At the same time, I was looking for a base in Uda, and through an introduction from Onishi of Gohan Cafe SOU, the venue for this event, I met the landlord who rented my current office space. From there, I was able to put down roots in Uda, start a business, and launch andground LLC.
What happened on the day
More than 75 people attended this year's "Spices and Gin, Udasu," and approximately 80 people attended, including staff and related parties.
The venue was filled with a warmth, like a rural gathering of relatives for New Year's or summer vacation, or a casual chat.
It was a night filled with new encounters with the people of Uda, and the bond that gin and spices form was clearly felt.
I continued making drinks and delivered over 150 glasses of gin in total.
In particular, Jor (@paraiso.spice), who helped me launch the project,
Mr. Onishi (@gohancafe_sou), who opened the venue,
Akita (@kirby_hi_akita), who was a very active member of the staff,
Thank you very much.
About Jor (Owner of "Haraiso Sparkle")
Jor, who runs "Haraiso Sparkle" in Higobashi, Osaka, was born in February 1985 at the former Haibara Town Hospital.
He grew up freely at Higashi-Harubara Kindergarten and Higashi-Harubara Elementary School, graduated from Harubara Junior High School and Unebi High School, went on to Kwansei Gakuin University, and got a job at an advertising company in Tokyo.
Up until that point, my life had been as smooth as a picture.
However, before turning 30, he quit his job and pursued a career in cooking. He returned to Osaka and, after renting a space to run curry restaurants and opening pop-up stores, opened "Haraiso Sparkle" in Higobashi, Osaka.
For him, who is from Uda, this event is truly the ``return of the prodigal son.''
Rather than bringing glory to the local area, it became an opportunity to create new connections through spices and gin.
Summary and preview
"Spices and Gin, Udasu" was planned as a place to express gratitude for the encounters made in Uda and to further deepen and expand those encounters.
I am truly grateful for all the encounters and connections I have made.
The next episode is scheduled for March 2025, titled "Spice and Gin, Udasu." Episode II - The Awakening of Spice.
I look forward to seeing you again in Uda.
