Sakura Mochi in a Glass with RON SETO WHITE, a Wasanbon Rum from Japan

2026.10.05

In short: RON SETO WHITE is a Japanese rum from Umayado Distillery in Kagawa, made from molasses left over from traditional wasanbon sugar — an upcycled “traditional” (molasses) rum with a refined aroma. Includes a quick guide to the three ways rum is made, and the Sakura Mochi Soda we made with it at Bar Little Happiness in Hiroshima.

“RON SETO WHITE” is made by Umayado Distillery in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.

The story of a “treasure” found at his wife’s family home

The birth of this rum goes back to 2015.

It began with something Hiroyuki Mima, fourth-generation president of Mima Sangyo, the company that runs the distillery, saw when he visited his wife’s family home: Mitani Seito Hane Sanuki Honpo, a wasanbon sugar maker founded 220 years ago.

What he saw there was part of the rich syrup — the molasses — produced when making wasanbon by traditional methods, with nowhere to go and being thrown away.

“What a waste of such good molasses. Couldn’t we make rum with this?”

That flash of inspiration from a president who loved a drink led to a passionate mission — “to maximise the value of sugarcane and wasanbon” — and this bottle was born as a “luxurious upcycle” that breathes new life into unused molasses.

Three ways rum is made — worth knowing

Here is a little knowledge to help you enjoy the world of rum even more.

Rum can be divided into three broad types depending on how it is made.

• Traditional (molasses rum): 

Made from molasses, a by-product of sugar production. The most popular method, accounting for over 80% of the world’s rum.

• Agricole: 

Made from 100% fresh sugarcane juice. A very rare method.

• High-test molasses: 

Made from sugarcane juice that has been heated and turned into syrup. The newest method.

Recent Japanese rums often draw attention for being “agricole,” but this “RON SETO WHITE” is a “traditional rum,” made from molasses born of wasanbon, a uniquely Japanese sugar culture.

But unlike typical imported molasses, it uses only wasanbon molasses made from rare “chikuto” sugarcane grown in Kagawa, so there is almost no off-flavour or harshness, and its aroma is exceptionally refined.

“RON SETO WHITE”

“RON SETO” means “rum of the Seto Inland Sea” in Spanish.

At Little Happiness, we are currently (spring 2026) serving seasonal Japanese-style cocktails!

• “Sakura Mochi Soda” (cherry-blossom rice cake soda)
• “Homemade Honey Lemon”
• “Hiroshima Navel Orange” (ready in about two weeks)

The Sakura Mochi Soda in particular blends the sweetness of Ron Seto with a vanilla aroma, and I think one sip will make you say, “Oh, it really tastes like sakura mochi!”

Every encounter is meant to be. Welcome to the world of Rum&Whisky.