22/05/2026
On 19 May, we had the honour of welcoming Mr. Yoshinori Nishigaya, CEO and Kakigori Producer of Vinefru Ginza in Tokyo, for a very special Kakigori tasting at 83 Islands Distillery.
Kakigori is Japanese-style shaved ice: delicate, refreshing, and incredibly beautiful when prepared by a master. Mr. Nishigaya created a series of stunning Kakigori topped with rich, sauces made from a variety of ingredients, and around 30 guests joined us to experience them.
For Mr. Nishigaya, this was his first visit to the Pacific, despite having demonstrated Kakigori in many countries around the world. We were very proud that Vanuatu, and 83 Islands, could be part of that journey.
For us, this was also a first step. We worked with the ingredients available to us and without all the specialist equipment normally used to create Kakigori at this level. But that is often how things begin in Vanuatu: you adapt, you learn, and you find a way.
And what we discovered was exciting.
Kakigori is a superb fit for a tropical environment: light, cold, elegant, and refreshing. Enjoyed alcohol-free, it is already a beautiful experience. But when you add 83 Islands Rum, it becomes something else entirely: cold and warm, delicate and deep, Japanese technique meeting the wild spirit of Vanuatu.
Kakigori is a beautifully accessible dish, but like many simple things, the details matter. Our first trial showed us the importance of having the right tools, especially to create the light whipped covering that helps protect the ice from melting and gives Kakigori its signature finish. Over the next few weeks, we will bring in what is needed to serve it regularly at 83 Islands, with the hope that other shops in town may also embrace this affordable, refreshing dish that suits Vanuatu so perfectly.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Yoshinori Nishigaya and Vinefru Ginza for sharing the art of Kakigori with us, to Ms. Mai from GnR Co., Ltd., our Japanese distributor, for helping make this connection possible, and to First Secretary Toshikazu Nohara and the Embassy of Japan in Vanuatu for joining us and supporting this meaningful moment of exchange between Japan and Vanuatu.
Kakigori is coming to 83 Islands — island style, rum optional, experience guaranteed.
