#Japan #Tokyo #Cilantro Gin #Toranomon Distillery #Sushi Sugahisa

A Unique Partnership for a Special Drink

In the heart of Tokyo, the renowned sushi restaurant Sushi Sugahisa has joined forces with Toranomon Distillery to create a truly special drink — the ‘Cilantro Gin’. This unexpected collaboration merges the delicate art of sushi making with the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, marking a new entry into the world of gourmet beverages. Set to launch on November 1, 2025, this exclusive craft gin brings forth an exciting twist to traditional sushi dining.

The Genius Behind the Concept

Sushi Sugahisa, located on the fourth floor of Toranomon Hills Station Tower in Minato Ward, has made a splash in the culinary scene by challenging the norms of sushi through its unique theme of melding Thai food with traditional Edo-style sushi. Chef Masahiro Suga, who entered the culinary world at the age of 32, has accumulated rich experiences throughout his journey, including work abroad with JICA and major corporations. His bold vision of combining Thai flavors with sushi has led him to develop a new genre called ‘Hentai Sushi’, or “Bizarre Sushi.”

How ‘Cilantro Gin’ Came to Life

The journey to creating ‘Cilantro Gin’ began with a keen observation of a crucial ingredient in Thai cuisine: the root of cilantro. While the leaves are commonly used in various dishes, the roots have been frequently overlooked, often discarded. Chef Suga, with his passion for sustainability, wanted to change this narrative. Drawing from his experience in crafting homemade liqueurs, he experimented with the root in various drinks. After serving a gin infused with cilantro root during a course meal, the overwhelmingly positive response prompted him to pursue its commercial production.

The Collaboration with Toranomon Distillery

Having previously crafted gin with fresh coriander seeds, Teppei Ichiba, the distillation director at Toranomon Distillery, was intrigued by Sushi Sugahisa's innovative concept centered on cilantro roots. Impressed after tasting the unique gin, he immediately recognized its potential. Opting for a distinctive approach, they decided to base the gin primarily on cilantro roots, diverging from the traditional use of multiple botanicals.

The Challenge of Sourcing Cilantro Roots

However, the journey to bring ‘Cilantro Gin’ to life wasn't without obstacles. A minimum of 18kg of cilantro roots was needed for distillation, a volume far beyond what Sushi Sugahisa could provide. Reaching out to various markets proved futile as roots are seldom distributed independently. Eventually, collaboration with local farmers, including Kajiya Farm in Hiroshima, helped gather sufficient roots over the course of a year, leading to the birth of this one-of-a-kind gin.

The Flavor Profile of Cilantro Gin

The result, ‘Cilantro Gin’, presents a vibrant and aromatic drinking experience. It features a unique blend of herbal and slightly sweet notes from the cilantro roots, harmonized by the spiciness from coriander seeds. This complex profile is elevated further by the addition of cilantro flowers, adding a floral brightness to the mix.

Enjoying ‘Cilantro Gin’

This gin can be enjoyed neat, but it pairs exceptionally well with Thai dishes and other ethnic cuisines, especially those featuring lime or fish sauce. Whether enjoyed over ice, mixed with soda, or as a ‘Gin Sonic’ — combining tonic water and soda — the depth of flavor enhances the overall dining experience, making it a perfect match for dishes like Green Curry Inari and Salivating Chicken.

Product Details

• - Name: Cilantro Gin
• - Alcohol Content: 49%
• - Volume: 500ml
• - Planned Price: ¥6,930 (tax included)
• - Manufacturer: Toranomon Distillery
• - Limited Bottles Available: 200
• - Botanicals Used: Cilantro roots, flowers, juniper berries, coriander seeds

The Visionaries Behind This Unique Creation

Chef Masahiro Suga, the face of Sushi Sugahisa and a representative of Anbai Co., Ltd., has an inspiring journey that began after joining JICA. His culinary passion led him to leave the advertising industry at age 32 to master Thai cooking before entering sushi school. After opening an Edo-style sushi restaurant in Kawasaki, his innovative ‘Thai Sushi’ attracted so much attention that he eventually relocated to Toranomon Hills Station Tower. As he continues to push boundaries, Suga plans to unveil a new exclusive dining experience, ‘Sugahisa’, in Roppongi by December 2025, showcasing Thai sushi to a broader audience.

On the other hand, Toranomon Distillery, established in 2020 within the Toranomon Business Tower, has made its mark by crafting gins based on local Japanese ingredients. Directed by Teppei Ichiba, the distillery gains acclaim for creating unique and seasonal flavors, winning prestigious awards like the 2025 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition’s Gold Prize.

As ‘Cilantro Gin’ hits the shelves, it not only serves as a cornerstone of this unique collaboration but also offers a tantalizing taste of innovation in the realm of culinary drinks.