About

Founded in 1899, the House of Suntory was built on one man’s dream.

Shinjiro Torii wanted to enrich the lives of his people. Against the backdrop of the Japanese Meiji Era, a period of rapid modernization during which Japan opened its eyes to the West for inspiration, young Shinjiro grew into an enterpreneur, maker and doer. The sophistication of Western wines and spirits their cultural depth and wealth, rituals and savoir faire-inspired Shinjiro.

He set out to introduce that culture to the Japanese people through the sale of Western wines. Yet, as Shinjiro worked tirelessly to educate and develop the people’s appreciation for Western wines, he learned that this was a difficult challenge.