Hello everyone, this is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Sunday, September 7, I had the honor of participating in the 3rd Japan Women’s SAKE Award (Bishu Concours) held at the Kobe Mikage Public Hall, alongside 2024 Miss SAKE Japan Yuri Minami, 2025 Miss SAKE Runner-Up Hana Horikoshi, and 2025 Miss SAKE Hyogo Nagisa Hashimoto.
About the Japan Women’s SAKE Award (Bishu Concours)
Japan Women’s SAKE Award (Bishu Concours) is Japan’s first sake competition judged exclusively by women, aiming to promote “the preservation of Japan’s traditional culture,” “regional economic revitalization,” and “women’s active participation in society” through sake. The panel of judges includes a wide range of women—from sake professionals such as sommeliers, flight attendants, proprietors, and chefs, to everyday consumers who enjoy sake in their daily lives. Through rigorous evaluation, these women bring diverse perspectives and discerning palates to highlight the unique charms of sake both domestically and internationally.
One of the competition’s most distinctive features is that it evaluates sake not by its official designation, but through six categories based on aroma and taste: Fruity, Light & Dry, Rich & Umami, Aged, Sparkling, and Low-Alcohol. This approach provides clear guidance for sake selection, not only for enthusiasts but also for beginners and international audiences. The judging sessions and award ceremonies are held nationwide, contributing to local revitalization by showcasing regional sake specialties. Bishu Concours goes beyond a standard competition—it also supports sake education, promotion, tourism, and inbound cultural exchange, enriching the broader development of Japanese culture.
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Sake Judging Through Women’s Sensibilities
At the venue, around 300 sake varieties are displayed every year, and each judge was assigned specific bottles to evaluate. Judges are categorized into official judges, who are female experts with sake qualifications and tasting skills, and amateur judges, representing women of various ages and professions. The combination of professional insights and genuine consumer perspectives is a hallmark of the Bishu Concours. I participated as an official judge, utilizing my qualification as a kikizakeshi (certified sake taster). I carefully evaluated approximately 35 sake entries, scoring them based on appearance, aroma, taste, and finish, and sometimes providing tasting comments. The process took about two hours, allowing for thoughtful and thorough assessment.
Connections Fostered Through Bishu Concours
During the event, I had the opportunity to take commemorative photos with many key figures who have long contributed to the promotion of sake culture, including General Coordinator Akiko Tomoda and Advisor Toshie Hiraide. Standing alongside these supporters of sake’s future was a truly humbling experience.
Before becoming Miss SAKE, I had also served as an official judge at the 2nd Bishu Concours last year. The warm encouragement I received from sake professionals at that time, along with my encounter with 2023 Miss SAKE Japan Kotoko Yamada, inspired me to apply for 2025 Miss SAKE Japan. Participating again this year as the reigning 2025 Miss SAKE Japan in such a beloved event brought me immense joy.
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Bishu Concours is a platform where women with refined palates and keen sensibilities can set new standards for appreciating sake. The diverse evaluation perspectives that emerge from a woman’s viewpoint help convey the depth of sake more broadly, enhancing its value as a cultural asset. Going forward, as Miss SAKE, I will continue to represent women who love sake and passionately share its charms both in Japan and abroad.
Additionally, the award ceremony and grand tasting event are scheduled to be held in Osaka on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Miss SAKE will also attend, and I look forward to sharing a report on the event at that time.
Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan
