The Woman Who Took Whisky to Japan: Remembering Rita Cowan Taketsuru

Rita Taketsuru (second left) visits her mother (far right) in Scotland, 1931. Pictured with niece Valerie (far left) and daughter Rima (center). (© Tony McNicol)

Harry Hogan (seated, center left) and mother Valerie visiting members of the Taketsuru family in Japan in 1998. They were welcomed by Rita and Masataka’s adopted son, Takeshi (far left). (© Tony McNicol)

Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, June 24, 2014. (© Tony McNicol)

Kimono and obi once owned by Rita Taketsuru. Auld Kirk Museum, Kirkintilloch. (© Tony McNicol)

Harry Hogan, great-nephew of Rita Taketsuru (Jessie Roberta “Rita” Cowan), with a glass of Nikka whisky. East Kilbride, Glasgow. (© Tony McNicol)