Greek trainees experience brewing premium “Table Rice Sake” made from Koshihikari rice
Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tsunan, Niigata; CEO: Kengo Suzuki), located in one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall regions, successfully hosted two trainees from Greece in late January 2026. This cultural exchange program, conducted in partnership with the Sake Sommelier Association (SSA), focused on the authentic craft of sake brewing and the unique “Terroir” of the region.
This initiative is part of the SSA’s international mission to cultivate professionals who can accurately convey the cultural value of sake globally. Beyond brewing techniques, the program provided an immersive experience of Tsunan’s snowy environment, local heritage, and the fermentation-based food culture of Japan. Over the course of a week, the trainees participated in core brewing processes—including rice steaming and “kai-ire” (mashing)—and engaged deeply with the local community.
The Sake Sommelier Association, based in London, is a leading international body providing sake education and certification, dedicated to developing experts who can articulate sake’s history and its relationship with gastronomy.
Sake is “Culture,” Not Just a Beverage
The participants were Mr. Georgios Karampouzoukis (36) and Mr. Kosmas Giannoulis (35), both active in the restaurant and wine/sake distribution industry in Greece.
Reflecting on the training, Mr. Karampouzoukis remarked: “I realized that sake is not merely an alcoholic drink, but a ‘culture’ born from the intersection of climate, water, rice, and human dedication. By stepping into the brewery and hearing the voices of the brewers while mashing, I discovered values that cannot be understood through textbooks alone.”
Mr. Giannoulis shared his insights on the perception of sake: “In Greece, sake has often been distributed without a systematic understanding of its quality. Through this experience, I want to accurately convey the immense potential of sake to our customers and staff back home.”
The “Terroir” of Tsunan: Brewing Shaped by Nature
Tsunan is renowned for its extreme snowfall, often exceeding three meters in winter. This creates a natural low-temperature environment and a bounty of pristine meltwater from the Mt. Naeba range—ideal conditions for sake brewing.
The program emphasized a physical understanding of how these natural conditions shape the sake’s character. From the steam-filled rice preparation to the synchronized “kai-ire” and precise temperature management, the trainees experienced how every step is inseparable from the local landscape.
Dialogue at Kamigo Elementary School: Connecting Cultures
On Friday morning, January 30, the trainees visited Kamigo Elementary School for a cultural exchange session. The students engaged in a lively Q&A session, asking about Greek history, climate, and food. Mr. Karampouzoukis and Mr. Giannoulis highlighted the “richness of food” born from contrasting environments—the Mediterranean sun of Greece versus the deep snow of Tsunan.
CEO Kengo Suzuki emphasized the educational value: “Exposing children to global diversity and showing them how their hometown is perceived from abroad fosters future creativity. This curiosity is the same foundation we use in science and innovation.”
Strategic Collaboration with Local Government
The trainees also paid a courtesy visit to the Tsunan Town Hall to meet with the Vice Mayor. They discussed the strategic use of Tsunan’s “Terroir” for global markets. The Vice Mayor expressed high expectations for Tsunan Sake Brewery’s proactive global expansion and its commitment to challenging traditional boundaries.
“GO GRANDCLASS”: The Future of “Table Rice Sake” in Greece
A key highlight of the program was the in-depth study and tasting of “GO GRANDCLASS,” the brewery’s flagship sake.
“The guests deeply understood the potential of ‘GO GRANDCLASS,’ which we produce using premium Uonuma Koshihikari table rice,” said CEO Kengo Suzuki. “I have entrusted them with the role of ambassadors to promote the concept of ‘Table Rice Sake’ across Europe—sake that, like fine wine, is designed to be enjoyed alongside a meal.”
https://koshihikari.tsunan-sake.com/
Tsunan Sake Brewery’s Global Vision
For Tsunan Sake Brewery, global expansion is more than just increasing export volume; it is about creating deep cultural connections. The brewery believes that individuals who have physically worked in the kura (brewery) and lived in the community are the best equipped to share the true essence of sake with the world.
Tsunan Sake Brewery remains committed to sustainable cultural exchange and value creation through the development of innovative sake alongside passionate partners worldwide.
About Tsunan Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. Located in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture, Tsunan Sake Brewery is a pioneer in “Smart Brewing,” integrating traditional craftsmanship with advanced biotechnology and AI. Under the brand concept “Brew for Future,” it utilizes local “Gohyakumangoku” and “Koshihikari” rice with natural mountain spring water. In 2025, the brewery was awarded the Niigata Governor’s Prize (1st Place) at the Echigo-ryu Sake Brewing Technology Competition.
https://tsunan-sake.com/
