Hello everyone,
This is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Wednesday, October 1st, I had the honor of attending the “Shichiken IWC 2025 Champion Sake Award Commemorative Tasting Event” held at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan.
Shichiken Junmai Daiginjo “Hakushin” – The Blessing of Hakushu’s Nature and the Spirit of Its Brewers
Shichiken Junmai Daiginjo “Hakushin” earned the top honor in the SAKE category at the International Wine Challenge (IWC), one of the world’s largest and most prestigious wine competitions, out of 1,476 entries from 387 breweries across Japan and abroad.
Titled “The True Junmai Daiginjo Born from the Nature of Hakushu,” this sake is crafted from the pure snowmelt water that springs from Hakushu and specially cultivated Yumesansui rice grown in the same region, polished down to 27%. It is then aged at -5°C for a full year to achieve an ultimate, refined taste. The label’s serene depiction of white mountain ranges was created by textile artist Ena Furuya, who hails from Yamanashi Prefecture. Within its elegant flavor lies the harmony of Hakushu’s pristine nature and the heartfelt dedication of the brewers who bring it to life.
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The Passion of Artisans Creating a Symphony of Flavors
The event began with an opening address by Mr. Tsushima Kitahara, President of Yamanashi Meijo Co., Ltd., followed by a toast led by Mr. Koji Igarashi, President of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Club Co., Ltd., using the award-winning “Hakushin.”
As the glass reached my hands, I was immediately captivated by its fruity aroma. Upon tasting, the sake revealed a smooth yet full-bodied depth and refinement that left me involuntarily exclaiming, “Delicious…!”
The evening concluded with a closing speech by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi.
At the venue, guests were also invited to enjoy the following Shichiken selections, poured by the brewers :
Junmai Daiginjo Hakushin
Made from locally harvested rice polished to 27%, slowly brewed at low temperatures and matured for a year. Shichiken’s ultimate expression—rich and profound in flavor.Junmai Furin Bizan
A refreshing junmai sake with the full flavor of rice spreading across the palate. A dry sake that can be enjoyed both chilled and gently warmed.Junmai Daiginjo Kinunoaji (“Silken Flavor”)
Named for its soft texture and elegant aroma, this sake offers delicate notes reminiscent of strawberries and bananas.Sparkling Sake Sora no Irodori (“Color of the Sky”)
A kijoshu brewed using Shichiken’s signature junmai sake, Furin Bizan, in place of water. Deep umami and fine bubbles from in-bottle secondary fermentation bring joy to every sip.Sparkling Sake Mori no Kanade (“Melody of the Forest”)
A collaboration between Shichiken and Suntory’s Hakushu Distillery, aged in whisky barrels from the same region of pure waters. Its semi-dry flavor and lively acidity come from natural secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Among them, Mori no Kanade left a particularly strong impression on me with its smoky whisky-like aroma and refreshing sparkling acidity, creating a unique and unforgettable experience.
I also learned that when “Hakushin” was announced as the IWC Champion Sake, the brewers were overcome with surprise and joy, exclaiming “No way!” in disbelief—an unforgettable moment for all involved.
Speaking directly with the brewers while savoring their masterpieces allowed me to truly feel their craftsmanship and passion behind each bottle.
Through these exquisite creations, I deeply felt the skill and dedication of the toji who uphold the legacy of Yamanashi Meijo, transforming nature’s gifts into refined diversity of flavors.
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Attending the “Shichiken IWC 2025 Champion Sake Award Commemorative Tasting Event” reminded me once again of the limitless potential of sake and the profound devotion of its makers.
As Miss SAKE, I will continue to share the beauty and depth of sake with people around the world, while promoting the cultural richness and regional artistry behind Japanese sake brewing.
Once again, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Yamanashi Meijo Co., Ltd. on the remarkable achievement of Shichiken Junmai Daiginjo “Hakushin” being awarded the title of IWC 2025 Champion Sake.
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
Chisato Tateno
