We see and enjoy Japanese sake often in our daily lives at restaurants, supermarkets, on TV, and more. But have you ever wondered about the story behind this drink? Join us for a special program with Miss Sake Japan 2021, dedicated to exploring sake as Japanese culture, both in historical and modern terms.
A unique Miss Sake initiative was launched in 2013, with the support of both the Japanese government and private sectors, to assign women as ambassadors to promote Japanese culture centered on sake and also to advance the participation of women in society. In this exciting event, Miss Sake Japan 2021 will share lesser known stories about sake, including: how the ritual to create the “Kuchikami no sake” (口かみの酒) scene in “Your Name” took place, information on a new breed of women sake chief brewers or “Touji” (杜氏) in a field that has traditionally been occupied only by men, and more about the people behind the scenes who are keeping sake traditions alive! You will also learn how the beautiful “Masu” cups and “Kiriko” glasses affect the taste of sake in various ways.
Miss Sake Japan 2021, Miyu Matsuzaki, will also be joined by another female sake expert, Mika Onishi, who leads the Miss Sake initiatives. From beginner to enthusiast, this program is sure to provide everyone with unique perspectives on how the traditions surrounding sake are continuing and evolving today!
Date and Time:
Monday, October 18th, 2021 at 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. (PDT)
Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 at 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. (Japan Time)
Price:
FREE! (Zoom link will be sent upon registration)
OUR AMAZING SPEAKERS
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Mika Onishi | Miss Sake Association, Representative Director
Mika Onishi acquired the Official Sake Lecturer license when she came to the U.S. in 2006 to spread the traditions of Japanese sake to the local communities. She worked at the New York wine shop “The Winery” as a specialist in Japanese sake and shochu while acquiring the Master of Cheese certification from WSET on the side. After returning to Japan in 2008, Ms. Onishi worked as a lecturer of Japanese sake and shochu as well as an event producer. Additionally, she became in charge of sales planning at Hokusetsu Sake Brewery in 2009. Ms. Onishi was inaugurated as the director of the 2014 Miss Japanese Sake and has served in her current position since September 7th, 2021.
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Miyu Matsuzaki | Miss Sake Japan 2021
As the 2021 Miss SAKE, Ms. Matsuzaki promotes the charm of Japanese culture and specifically Japanese sake within and outside Japan. She is originally from Handa in Aichi prefecture where there are over 300 years of history of the local sake brewing districts. Currently, she is the PR Ambassador for Handa Brewery and a 4th year International Relations major at the School of Foreign Studies at Aichi Prefectural University. Ms. Matsuzaki studied abroad in the UK and Portugal and was fascinated by the spiritual and cultural values of the Kunizake.