Mastering the Art of Japanese Sake

"SAKENOMY" is a coined term created with the wish to learn about, enjoy, savor, and become familiar with sake and its associated culture, much like "gastronomy," which implies "the art and science of good eating and drinking." Just as the artist Rosanjin Kitaoji, while demonstrating his talent in various fields such as calligraphy, painting, and ceramics, cherished the seasonal Japanese ingredients and the culture of enjoying them, the name was chosen with the aim of conveying Japanese sake culture from a broad perspective, not just drinking sake.

As the first initiative, Hidetoshi Nakata produced a Japanese sake bar, which was open from June 20th to 24th inside the popular Milanese cafe "Swiss Corner." Sake services by breweries producing sake and shochu were offered, alongside exhibitions and events aimed at transmitting Japanese culture. Nakata, in collaboration with the Gifu Prefectural Pottery Industry Cooperative Association, devised original Mino ware wine glasses, stating, "Just like with wine, so that the aroma can be fully enjoyed." These glasses were used to serve the sake, captivating the palates of the invited guests.

Additionally, related events for the "Monozukuri Nippon e-shigoto x ReVALUE NIPPON" project by Nikken Sohgoh was also held. Under the guidance of Living National Treasure Kazumi Murose, five trainees who learned lacquerware techniques showcased lacquer sake cups they created. A hands-on lacquer experience event using ema (votive tablets) was also conducted, further promoting the appeal of Japanese craftsmanship to the world.


On June 23rd, a "SAKE Seminar" was held at the "Four Seasons Hotel Milan" in Milan, where representatives from the sake breweries participating in the SAKENOMY project lectured local sommeliers on sake knowledge. Approximately 30 sommeliers from around the world attended.

During the seminar, Norimasa Yamamoto of Heiwa Shuzo, producer of the sake "KID," lectured on sake production methods, the differences between sake and wine, and pairing methods with Italian cuisine. Sake from leading Japanese breweries such as Hakurakusei (Miyagi), Hakkaisan (Niigata), Tengu Mai (Ishikawa), KID (Wakayama), Isojiman, Hatsukame (Shizuoka), Toyo Bijin (Yamaguchi), and Yokoyama Fifty (Nagasaki) was served.

Giuseppe Vaccarini, president of the Italian Professional Sommeliers Association, who participated in the seminar, commented, "I was able to learn not only about the deliciousness of sake but also about its diversity and depth. I realized that sake pairs well with Italian cuisine, and I feel the potential of sake."


That evening, at "Finger's Garden," a popular Japanese restaurant co-managed by former AC Milan player Clarence Seedorf, a "Tuna x Sake" event was held. Seedorf, along with fashion designer Neil Barrett and designer Kyotaka Morita, attended the event, where a whole bluefin tuna was expertly carved. Sashimi and fatty tuna nigiri made from Adriatic bluefin tuna were served.

Seedorf commented, "I believe the activities my friend Hidetoshi is undertaking to promote sake and traditional culture will be well-received globally. Finger's Garden, which I co-manage, offers creative Japanese cuisine and has been widely accepted in Milan. I look forward to continuing to work with Hidetoshi on initiatives that connect Japan and Italy."

Nakata, who attended all the day's events, shared his impressions: "It was wonderful to be able to appeal the deliciousness of sake to so many people in various ways. The Milan Expo and Fashion Week provided a great opportunity this time, but I hope that gradually, an environment will be created where people can enjoy authentic Japanese sake on a regular basis."

Participating Breweries (Brands) in "SAKENOMY"
[Tohoku] Nanbu Bijin (Iwate) / Hakurakusei (Miyagi) / Katsuyama (Miyagi) / Juyondai (Yamagata) / Sharaku (Fukushima)
[Kanto] Raifuku (Ibaraki) / Hououbiden (Tochigi) / Biwa no Sasaranami (Saitama)
[Chubu] Hakkaisan (Niigata) / Mikotsuru (Nagano) / Alga Branca (Yamanashi) / Reisen (Gifu) / Isojiman (Shizuoka) / Hatsukame (Shizuoka) / Tengu Mai (Ishikawa)
[Kansai] Saku (Mie) / KID (Wakayama) / Saika (Wakayama) / Tsuruume (Wakayama) / Matsunotsukasa (Shiga)
[Chugoku/Shikoku] Toyo Bijin (Yamaguchi) / Dassai (Yamaguchi) / Ugo no Tsuki (Hiroshima) / Suishun (Kochi) / Bibishiu (Kochi) / Aki Tora (Kochi) / Dabada Hiburi (Kochi)
[Kyushu] Mitsui no Kotobuki (Fukuoka) / Kenjoh (Oita) / Yokoyama Fifty (Nagasaki) / Nakanaka (Miyazaki) / Issho (Kagoshima) / Seikouudo (Kagoshima)
Cooperation: Hasegawa Saketen