Hello everyone,
My name is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Monday, December 15, I had the honor of paying a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of the National Tax Agency at its headquarters in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. On this occasion, I was accompanied by Ms. Mika Onishi, Representative Director of the Miss SAKE Association, along with 2024 Mr SAKE Japan, Kenshi Ueyama, and 2024 Mrs SAKE Japan, Tomomi Dukette.
About the National Tax Agency
The National Tax Agency is responsible for the planning and administration of the liquor tax system, the interpretation and enforcement of related laws and regulations, and the licensing of alcohol manufacturing and distribution businesses. As such, it plays a fundamental role in supporting Japan’s alcoholic beverage industry, including sake. In particular, within the sake sector—where many small and medium-sized breweries are deeply rooted in their local communities—the Agency contributes significantly to ensuring stable business operations, the inheritance of brewing techniques, and the sustainable development of sake as a regional industry. In addition, by proactively addressing issues such as regulatory updates in response to social changes and the promotion of recycling for sake containers, the National Tax Agency helps establish a social framework in which people can enjoy sake with confidence in their daily lives. These multifaceted efforts form an indispensable pillar supporting sake culture as a whole, from the brewing floor to the dining table.
Our Current Position, Centered on Sharing the Value of Sake and Japanese Culture
During this visit, we had the opportunity to introduce our activities to Commissioner Kazuhiko Ejima, Deputy Commissioner Yoshiyuki Tahara, Counselor of the Commissioner’s Secretariat Yujiro Fujisaki, as well as Director Nobuyuki Mikami, Deputy Director Sumio Onuki, and Assistant Section Chief Yoshiki Tabata from the Office for the Promotion and Export of the Liquor Industry. We shared how our work goes beyond simply promoting the appeal of sake, encompassing broader efforts to communicate the value of Made in Japan, including agricultural culture and traditional attire such as kimono, both domestically and internationally. We also spoke about our commitment to human resource development through the Nadeshiko Program, which fosters a deep understanding of Japanese culture.
In addition, I introduced my own overseas initiative—a hands-on workshop in Romania focused on making amazake—as well as upcoming global activities, including the launch of new Miss SAKE international programs in countries such as Azerbaijan starting next year. We were deeply encouraged by the warm words of support we received, along with the expressed surprise at the extent of our sake-related activities around the world.
Miss SAKE carries out its activities with the official support of the National Tax Agency. In December 2024, “Traditional Sake Brewing” was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, further heightening global interest in sake. Especially in our international initiatives, we are often given valuable opportunities through the support of the National Tax Agency. During this visit, I was grateful for the chance to once again express our sincere appreciation and to share my aspirations for communicating the appeal of Kokushu—Japan’s national alcoholic beverages, including sake—to the world.
Through this courtesy visit, I was reminded that sake culture is sustained through the integration of systems, industry, and culture. The skills and dedication passed down at breweries, together with the administrative support behind them, are what enable us to enjoy sake with confidence and to pass its value on to future generations.
As 2025 Miss SAKE Japan, I will continue to carry a deep sense of gratitude toward the National Tax Agency and all those who support our work, while sincerely engaging in activities that look toward the future of sake and Kokushu. Using sake as an entry point, I hope to carefully convey the stories, values, and craftsmanship behind Japanese agriculture and traditional culture, serving as a bridge so that sake and Japanese culture may be naturally embraced and enjoyed both in Japan and around the world.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
