Niigata, Japan — September 10, 2025 —
Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture; CEO: Kengo Suzuki) is pleased to announce that CEO Kengo Suzuki served as an official judge at the SAKE AWARD held during the Industry Co-Creation (ICC) Summit KYOTO 2025, which took place in Kyoto from September 1 to 4, 2025.
About SAKE AWARD at ICC KYOTO 2025
Under the theme “Learn Together, Create Together,” thirteen sake breweries from across Japan competed in this year’s SAKE AWARD. Participants were evaluated through preliminary and final rounds based on multiple dimensions, including aroma, taste, brewing techniques, and the passion of the sake makers. More than 50 judges and audience members cast their votes, with Pukupuku Brewery emerging as the overall winner.
A Glimpse into the Future of the Alcohol Industry
As an official judge, Kengo Suzuki not only evaluated the quality and creativity of the sake entries but was also inspired by the innovative perspectives shared at the event—particularly the presentation on honey-based mead by the “Honey Hunter” and new developments in craft beer. The experience reaffirmed the vast potential for growth and innovation in the alcohol industry, including Japanese sake.
About Tsunan Sake Brewery
Tsunan Sake Brewery is located in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture, one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall regions. Known for brewing premium sake using locally grown rice varieties such as Gohyakumangoku and Uonuma Koshihikari, the brewery combines tradition with innovation to produce sake that reflects its natural environment. In 2025, Tsunan Sake Brewery was awarded the Governor of Niigata Prize (1st Place) at the Echigo-style Sake Brewing Technology Championship.
For more information, please visit: https://tsunan-sake.com/
