Japan imported less whisky by volume in 2025 but spent more, with whisky imports reaching 70.2 billion yen, about 61.8% of all spirits import value, according to reporting by The Spirits Business on customs data compiled for ProWine Tokyo. For APAC collectors and investors, the signal is a market trading up in price per bottle while shipping fewer litres.

TL;DR

  • Whisky import value reached 70.2 billion yen in 2025, about 61.8% of Japan's spirits import value.
  • Volume fell, so the value figure points to higher average prices rather than more bottles.
  • Reported unit prices are up about 7% since 2017.
  • The figures come from one secondary source and we found no primary customs release.

What did Japan's whisky imports do in 2025?

Volume fell while value held at 70.2 billion yen. Whisky is the largest single category in Japan's spirits import bill, at roughly 61.8% by value, based on the data as reported by The Spirits Business.

Why does price per bottle matter?

The same reporting says unit prices are about 7% higher than in 2017. Fewer litres at a higher value means buyers are paying more per bottle, which is a premiumisation signal rather than a demand collapse.

Why does it matter for APAC collectors and investors?

Japan is one of the region's deepest whisky markets, and a shift toward higher-priced imports can shape what is on the shelves, at auction and in private sales. It is context for pricing conversations, not a forecast, and it is not investment advice.

What is not confirmed?

We have not seen a primary customs or National Tax Agency release for these figures. The import value, the 61.8% share and the 7% unit price change all rest on The Spirits Business reporting of data compiled for ProWine Tokyo. The exact volume decline, the split by country of origin and the price tiers driving the change were not verified. Treat the numbers as indicative until a primary source is checked.

Frequently asked questions

Did Japan import more whisky in 2025?

No by volume. Reported volume fell, while value reached 70.2 billion yen.

What share of spirits imports is whisky?

About 61.8% by value, as reported.

Is this a reliable source for investment decisions?

Not on its own. It is a single secondary report, so check primary customs data before acting.

Sources and Method

Primary reference used: The Spirits Business reporting on Japan's 2025 spirits import data compiled for ProWine Tokyo. No primary customs or National Tax Agency release was located at the time of writing, so figures are flagged as single-sourced. This draft needs an editor's check against primary data before publishing.