Let’s KANPAI!! iichiko shochu LINE WhatsApp Sticker GIF PNG

Let’s KANPAI!! iichiko shochu: How a Japanese Drink Became Your New Favorite Sticker

So, have you seen these adorable stickers popping up in chats? The creative minds behind them are none other than Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd., a major Japanese brewing company. You might know them for their superstar product, iichiko shochu. Founded way back in 1958 in Oita Prefecture, these folks are masters of their craft. While iichiko, a super smooth barley shochu launched in 1979, is their claim to fame, they also produce a whole lineup of beverages, including sake, wine, and brandy. What’s really cool is how this company, which is deeply rooted in tradition and a “Quality First” philosophy, has embraced the digital age. Releasing a fun sticker pack like “Let’s KANPAI!! iichiko shochu” is such a smart and playful way to connect with fans and bring their brand right into our daily conversations.

The popular original stickers from iichiko are back! We’ve brought back a selection of fan-favorite designs. Enjoy your chats with these cute stickers based on the character “い” (i)! Friend the official iichiko account to get them on a first-come, first-served basis.★ Available until: August 11, 2025. ※You must be of legal drinking age (20+) to consume alcohol.

• Title : Let’s KANPAI!! iichiko shochu
• Price : Free
• Type : Static
• Region : Japan
• Link : line://shop/detail/35339
• Publisher : Sanwa Shurui
• Copyright : Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd.

• Let’s KANPAI!! iichiko shochu

Meet the ‘i’-conic Star of the Show!

Okay, let’s talk about the stickers themselves because they are just too cute. The main character is a clever take on the Japanese hiragana character for “i” (い), which is the first letter in “iichiko.” It’s a simple character brought to life with big, expressive eyes and limbs, and it gets into all sorts of fun situations. In the first row, you’ve got the ‘い’ character giving a confident wink and a big ‘OK!’ hand gesture. Next to it, the character is holding a classic green teacup, which has “いいちこ” (iichiko) written on it, paired with the phrase “おつかれさまです” (Otsukaresama desu), a super common and polite way to say “Thanks for your hard work.” Then, you see it in a deep, respectful bow with “ぺこり” (Pekori), the sound word for bowing. The row finishes with a very enthusiastic ‘い’ giving a sparkly thumbs-up and cheering “いいぞ” (Ii zo), which means “That’s great!” or “Go for it!”.

The fun doesn’t stop there! The second row is just as lively. First up, our little ‘い’ character is flexing its bicep while holding a bottle of iichiko shochu, with “最高！” (Saikou!) written beside it, meaning “The best!”. It’s a perfect sticker for celebrating a win. Then, it turns into a cheerleader, shaking yellow pom-poms and shouting “がんばれ！” (Ganbare!), a classic Japanese phrase of encouragement. Following that is a purely joyous sticker of the character bouncing up and down with its hands in the air, expressing a heartfelt “ありがとうございます” (Arigatou gozaimasu), or “Thank you very much.” To wrap it all up, the final sticker shows the character with huge, sparkling eyes, holding a drink and excitedly asking, “飲みいこう？” (Nomi ikou?), which translates to “Wanna go for a drink?”. It perfectly captures that Friday feeling!

More Than Just a Drink: The Story Behind iichiko

It’s pretty fascinating when a company with such deep roots in tradition makes a splash in the modern digital world. Sanwa Shurui, the owner and copyright holder of these stickers, isn’t just selling shochu; they’re sharing a piece of Japanese culture. Their whole operation is built on a philosophy of “Quality First.” This means they are incredibly picky about their ingredients, using only high-grade barley and pure, natural spring water. This dedication is what gives iichiko shochu its famously smooth and mellow taste, making it a beloved brand not just in Japan but also in the USA through their iichiko USA, Inc. division.

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

What really sets Sanwa Shurui apart is its commitment to traditional Japanese fermentation techniques, particularly the use of koji mold. This ancient method is so culturally significant that it’s recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The company honors this heritage in every bottle they produce. But they aren’t stuck in the past. They’re also innovating with new concepts like WA-SPIRITS, a brand designed to elevate authentic shochu into new, exciting forms. This mix of respecting tradition while pushing boundaries is what makes the brand so compelling.

So, when you see the “Let’s KANPAI!! iichiko shochu” stickers, you’re looking at more than just a cute character. These stickers are a brilliant piece of branding. They take the essence of the iichiko brand—sociable, high-quality, and fun—and package it into something we can use every day. By owning the copyright, Sanwa Shurui ensures the character and messaging stay true to their brand. It’s a clever way to keep a historic company relevant and connected to a new generation of fans, turning a simple chat into a chance to share a little “Kanpai!”.