On August 23, 2024, a kurabito (brewery worker) from Tsunan Sake Brewery took the stage as a graduate at the 33rd Niigata Sake School Festival, held at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Niigata. The event, which saw around 200 participants including guests, lecturers, and alumni, was held in a grand fashion.
The main event of this year’s festival was the presentation given by Niigata Sake School graduates three years after their graduation. Takaki Hando, a kurabito from Tsunan Sake Brewery and a member of the 35th graduating class, was among the presenters. His presentation, titled “Sake Connects People, Regions, Tradition, and Culture,” reflected on how sake contributes to local communities and culture, drawing from his personal experiences.
Additionally, the festival featured a ceremony celebrating the 40th anniversary of Niigata Sake School. The special keynote speaker, Mr. Jun Koike, editor-in-chief of the sake-focused media outlet “SAKETIMES,” delivered a lecture analyzing 12 key trends that shaped the sake industry over the past decade. Following the lecture, discussions were held on the evolving role of sake and its future potential, with a lively exchange of ideas on how the industry can continue to provide added value moving forward.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional performance by Furumachi geigi (geisha), adding an elegant touch to the event. There was also an evaluation session of sake blends created by current Niigata Sake School students.
Tsunan Sake Brewery is committed to preserving the sake culture of Niigata and pursuing new possibilities for sake, while continuing to strengthen its relationship with the Sake School and maintaining ties with the local community.