Seems like an old post, but I'll reply anyway.
WT,
We are a start-up in CA and we will be making baijiu and soju. Not exactly shochu, but similar since some shochu makers are diluting their product and re-labeling as soju. Big advantage in CA I guest because soju is sold as beer, forgoing the expensive retail liquor license and still selling a spirit.
As with all things, a little time and education about a product should bring it around to the mainstream audience. Our processes (Southeast Asains) are a little different than the Japanese.