Hello everyone,This is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Tuesday, September 30, I had the honor of paying a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), where I was warmly received by Mr. Yuichi Moronaga, Director of the Emerging Regions Group / Counselor of the Export and International Affairs Bureau, and Mr. Mitsuo Shimada, International Negotiator. During the visit, I expressed my gratitude and greetings upon assuming the title of 2025 Miss SAKE Japan. I was also accompanied by Mr. Hitoshi Usukura, President and CEO of uA Corporation.
About the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is dedicated to ensuring a stable food supply and a safe living environment that sustains the lives of the Japanese people. The ministry promotes the development of Japan’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries—supporting the production of crops such as vegetables and fruits, maintaining and preserving Japan’s rich forests, and advancing marine resource management and the fishing industry.
Furthermore, the Ministry’s initiatives are deeply connected to Japan’s traditional industry of sake brewing through rice cultivation. By supporting the stable production and quality improvement of rice—the essential ingredient in sake—the Ministry helps sake breweries across the nation continue crafting unique products that reflect their local climates and traditions. In this way, the Ministry plays a vital role in sustaining both “food” and “culture,” fostering regional revitalization and passing Japan’s traditions on to future generations.
The Miss SAKE Association is deeply honored to receive annual support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which continues to play an invaluable role in promoting Japanese sake culture both domestically and internationally.
A New Stage for Japanese Culture in Azerbaijan
Mr. Usukura, who kindly accompanied us, is also the leading figure behind the launch of 2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, located on the Caspian Sea at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has developed rapidly thanks to its abundant oil and natural gas resources, while also serving as a cultural melting pot along the ancient Silk Road. With a climate similar to Japan and a strong affinity for Japanese culture, it is known as a pro-Japan country.
During our visit, we were briefed on the upcoming THE JAPAN ESSENCE GLOBAL EXPO 2026, to be held in Azerbaijan. Centered on the theme of “Sharing the Essential Value of Japan with the World,” this event will showcase the breadth of Japan-made — from government to private sectors, from traditional crafts to cutting-edge digital innovations. It will also mark the inaugural hosting of 2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan within the event.
THE JAPAN ESSENCE GLOBAL EXPO 2026
Date:
May 9–10, 2026 (with after party on May 11; travel schedule May 6–14 or 16)
Venue:
Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard, Azerbaijan
Organizer:
THE JAPAN ESSENCE GLOBAL EXPO 2026 Executive Committee
2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan Executive Committee
Official website:
https://ua-jeg.jp/
Ahead of “Sake Day”
Following our visit to the Ministry, Mr. Usukura and I visited the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association and the Japan Sake Information Center in Minato-ku, Tokyo, ahead of “Sake Day” on October 1. The venue was lively, with many visitors from Japan and abroad enjoying tastings and exploring the rich diversity of sake from across the country.
Witnessing people from around the world connect through Japanese sake reaffirmed for me the deep cultural significance and boundless potential of sake as a bridge between people and cultures. I am committed to continuing to share its appeal both within Japan and beyond.
Through this courtesy visit to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, I was once again reminded of the importance of promoting Japanese sake and culture on a global scale. I was grateful for the valuable insights shared by the officials regarding Japan’s efforts to expand the sake industry internationally.
This visit provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how I, as Miss SAKE, can contribute to communicating Japan’s traditions and values to the world. I am deeply thankful for the warm welcome and for this invaluable experience.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
