Local History Month: The Water of Life - The Ballad of Rita and Masataka

Rita Cowan’s journey from daughter of Kirkintilloch to ‘Mother of Japanese Whisky’ began just over a century ago, when two lonely strangers met - one driven to escape, the other driven by a dream. Join local playwright Alan Muir for an insight into the true story of two legendary lives.

In 1920 Rita Cowan, a doctor’s daughter from Kirkintilloch, married a Japanese chemistry student, Masataka Taketsuru, and together they made a new life in Yoichi, Japan. Masataka founded the Nikka Whisky Distilling Company. Rita supported her husband and became known as the ‘Mother of Japanese Whisky’.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust - Cultural Services