Project Info
Company: SOGO AUD
Project Name: Komoro Distillery
Location: Komoro, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Designer / Architect: Akira Sogo, Mami Sogo
Master Blender: Ian Chang
Manufacturer: Takehanagumi
Stakeholder / Owner: Karuizawa Distillers Inc.
The Vision Behind SOGO AUD
SOGO AUD is a Tokyo-based architecture and design studio founded in 2012 by Akira and Mami Sogo. Both founders spent time in California as Fulbright Scholars, and their early careers shaped the studio’s human-centered, socially conscious approach to design. Akira gained experience under Chiaki Arai, contributing to complex public facilities and high-density towers, while Mami worked on residential and commercial projects under Akira Koyama. Together, they formed a practice that spans architecture, urban planning, furniture, and product design. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture should work for people, offering long-term value rather than existing merely as static art. Over the years, SOGO AUD has built a reputation for its flexibility in addressing social, infrastructural, and environmental challenges through rigorous and context-sensitive design.
A Distillery Rooted in Place
The story of Komoro Distillery began with Koji Shimaoka, founder of Karuizawa Distillers, who spent five years searching for the ideal location to create a new whisky legacy. The site at the foot of Mount Asama was chosen for its abundant groundwater, cool climate, and fertile surroundings - conditions that are ideal for whisky maturation. Partnering with master blender Ian Chang, formerly of Kavalan Distillery, the goal was to craft a facility that would blend innovation with tradition, serving as both a production hub and a cultural destination.
The transparent facade integrates the visible production process with the natural environment
Architecture Immersed in the Landscape
SOGO AUD’s design integrates seamlessly with the natural contours of the land. The structure embraces the slope, with broad larch-wood eaves, expansive glass walls, and cantilevered forms that frame views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Inside, visitors enter a light-filled tasting bar and retail space before ascending a copper-toned staircase to the Whisky Academy. Here, the copper stills are arranged in an unconventional reversed sequence, creating flexibility in production while also serving as sculptural focal points. The building is designed to blur the boundaries between production, learning, and enjoyment, making the entire space part of the whisky experience.
A sculptural copper staircase guides the visitor's journey through a multi-functional, open-plan space
A Cultural and Economic Anchor
From the outset, Komoro Distillery was planned as a catalyst for regional revitalization. Visitors can choose guided tours with tastings or join immersive educational programs that explore the whisky-making process in depth. Since opening in July 2023, the distillery has hosted the first Asian chapter of the World Whisky Forum, reinforcing its status as a significant player in the global whisky industry. It has quickly become a cultural and economic anchor for the region, drawing both domestic and international visitors.
Expansive windows create a seamless connection between the light-filled interior and the surrounding landscape
Recognition and Legacy
The architectural excellence and community impact of Komoro Distillery have been widely recognized. In 2024, it received the Chubu Architecture Award, the AACA Award, and recognition from the Architectural Institute of Japan Awards. For SOGO AUD, the project stands as a testament to architecture’s ability to nurture ecosystems that bring together nature, craft, and human connection in a lasting and meaningful way.
Save this story. A free account keeps your reading list and the 07:00 email in one place.
CREATE FREE ACCOUNT →SIGN IN
