The white grape variety is cultivated in Japan. Synonyms are Giatsjou, Kochiou, Konshu, Koshiou, Raisin de Yamanachi, Vigne de Yeddo and Yeddo. It is named after the former province of Kōshū (now Yamanashi Prefecture).

It is said to have travelled from Europe to China via the Silk Road as early as the 8th century and was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks. According to a second hypothesis, it was discovered by an Amemiyas Kageyu around 1186 in the Kofu Valley at the foot of Mount Fujiyama. However, its origin and parentage are unknown. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2006, it is a Vitis vinifera species. It is closely related to the Koshu Sanjaku variety. Koshu was the parent of the new varieties Koshu Sémillon and Komahikari.
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