New rules governing Japanese whisky production âlong overdueâ 11 March 2021 By Lauren Eads Rules to regulate the production of Japanese whisky come into force on April 1, with producers no longer able to label malts blended with world whiskies as ‘Japanese’ and marking the “dawning of a new era” in the evolution of Japanese whisky. Ian Chang, vice president Karuizawa Distillers Inc., and master blender and distiller at Komoro Distillery Last month, as reported by the drinks business, The Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association issued a new set of labelling guidelines for Japanese whisky âin order to contribute to the appropriate selection of whisky products by consumers in Japan and abroad, and to thereby protect the interests of consumers, ensure fair competition, and improve quality.â