Curious about the secret to Tokyo’s craft cola? It lies in traditional Japanese medicine. Welcome to Iyoshi Cola. This isn’t just any cola. Iyoshi Cola is a unique craft cola. It was developed by Kobayashi Kola. The brand was founded in 2018. Its main location is in Tokyo’s Shimo-Ochiai district. You can also find an Iyoshi Cola roadside shop in Shibuya.
The Shimo-Ochiai store is next to the cola factory. It looks like a research lab. Tools and spices line the walls. Sweet and fragrant aromas fill the air the moment you step inside. Iyoshi Cola is served in a pouch. Soda water is poured over freshly made syrup. The first sip is surprisingly refreshing. It has a citrusy taste with coffee and whisky-like aromas. It will change how you think about cola.
The clear pouch lets you see the bubbles burst. You can watch the spice grains sink. Enjoy the flavor and aroma. This craft cola is a delicacy. People come from overseas to experience it. Iyoshi Cola even sells its product to distributors in the UK and other countries.
What makes Iyoshi Cola special? It is the mix of spices and the preparation process. Cola was originally made with extract from the kola nut. Many colas today do not use kola nut extract. Iyoshi Cola blends more than ten spices and citrus fruits. These include kola nuts, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom.
Kobayashi traveled the world trying different colas. He dreamed of creating the ultimate cola. He wanted to leave people speechless. He started making cola in his apartment kitchen. He based it on a recipe over 100 years old.
But something was missing. After two years, he found the final piece. Kobayashi’s grandfather ran a traditional Japanese medicine factory. Looking at the tools and materials, he had an epiphany. He could use his grandfather’s wisdom to make cola. The resulting flavor amazed his friends. They wanted to buy it from him.
Kobayashi believes cola has Eastern roots. Dr. John S. Pemberton invented cola. He studied herbal medicine. Kobayashi values traditional Japanese herbal medicine. He watched his grandfather’s work as a child. He named his brand “Iyoshi Cola” after his grandfather’s factory, Iyoshi Yakko. He even put 1954 on the label. That was the year his grandfather’s factory opened.
Kobayashi wants to keep Iyoshi Cola based in Eastern thought and medicine. He also wants to establish its Tokyo roots. He says there aren’t many brands born in Tokyo. He perfected his craft cola using his grandfather’s techniques. He wants to leave a unique Tokyo drink for the next generation.
Kobayashi dreams of Iyoshi Cola becoming a household name. He wants it to be loved like Coke and Pepsi. He is also making a new craft cola with Japanese ingredients. It is under the banner “Drink Japan.” His craft colas will share the flavors of Tokyo and Japan with the world.
The Iyoshi Cola factory is in Shimo-Ochiai. It was established by refurbishing Ryotaro Ito’s traditional Japanese medicine factory. Ryotaro Ito is Kobayashi’s grandfather. The spice grinders and tools from that time are still used today.
In February 2020, the Shimo-Ochiai Iyoshi Cola Grand Store opened next to the factory. Visitors can enjoy freshly made cola there. The goal is to spread the philosophy of craftsmanship. Iyoshi Cola values personal relationships. Craft cola is made painstakingly in a small workshop. Craftsmen use all-natural ingredients. These include citrus fruits, spices, and kola nuts. Iyoshi Cola believes the real definition depends on the person who drinks it.
Iyoshi Cola wants to spread craft cola throughout the world. They see it as a new export of Japanese culture.