Hello everyone,
My name is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
I am pleased to share with you that the 2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan Final Selection Competition was held on May 11, 2026, at Quba Şahdağ Truskavets Otel in Quba, Azerbaijan.
About the 2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan Competition
The competition was organized under the leadership of Mr. Hitoshi Usukura, President and CEO of uA Co., Ltd., and was held jointly with a business conference connecting Japanese investors and business leaders from Quba, organized by the Azerbaijan Franchise Association and the QİAD Platform.
Azerbaijan is a country that values its religious and cultural traditions while also embracing a culture of enjoying alcoholic beverages. Wine, beer, and whisky are commonly served in restaurants and hotels, and in recent years, the country has been placing increasing emphasis on the development of its wine industry. Expansive vineyards set amidst rich natural landscapes have become one of Azerbaijan’s most iconic sights.
▼ Click below to watch the 2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan Short Video
https://youtu.be/m7e-y55d3Ws?si=nO_2xP2PeYw2AoLB
2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan Final Selection Competition Overview
Date: May 11, 2026
Venue: Quba Şahdağ Truskavets Otel, Quba, Azerbaijan
Organizer:
2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan Executive Committee
Mr. Hitoshi Usukura, President and CEO, uA Co., Ltd.
26-2 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Website: https://ua-jeg.jp/
Supported by:
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
(Azərbaycan Respublikası Mədəniyyət Nazirliyi)
Cooperating Organizations:
Azerbaijan Franchise Association (AFA)
Azexport
Quba İş Adamlarına Dəstək (QİAD)
Made in Turan
and other local partner organizations
Sponsors & Partners:
NewsedTech Co., Ltd.
Cosmo Holdings Co., Ltd.
Chlorella Industry Co., Ltd.
Birbank Biznes
and other sponsoring companies
Bringing Japanese Sake to the World from Azerbaijan
For this year’s competition, finalists who had passed the preliminary screening participated in the Nadeshiko Program, which was held monthly beginning in January 2026. Following subsequent evaluations, ten finalists advanced to the final selection competition.
On the day of the event, contestants took part in a walking and speech competition while dressed in traditional Azerbaijani attire. In addition, the Top 5 finalists advanced to a question-and-answer session. Judging was conducted from multiple perspectives, including understanding and promotion of Azerbaijani culture, communication skills, potential to represent their country on the international stage, and commitment to social activities.
During the speech segment, each finalist passionately shared her thoughts on Japan, pride in her own country, lessons learned through the competition, and aspirations for the future.
As a result of the rigorous judging process, Ms. MƏRYAM ABDULLAYEVA was crowned the winner of the 2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan title.
At 22 years old, MƏRYAM is one of the emerging young leaders of Azerbaijan’s next generation. After graduating from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Azerbaijan Medical University, she has built her career as a Category Manager at Rossmann Azerbaijan. Through her work with international partners and business negotiations, she has developed exceptional communication skills and a global perspective.
The runners-up were Ms. Tarlan Hasanli and Ms. Aylin Nonocanova.
In addition, the Judges’ Special Awards were presented to:
- Ms. ƏSNAR VƏLİYEVA
- Ms. Aysu Qasimova
- Ms. ALSU NURUYEVA
- Ms. FIDAN MƏMMƏDLI
All ten finalists took the stage with confidence and grace, showcasing their unique personalities and talents. The competition was a wonderful celebration of cultural exchange, leadership, and international friendship.
As the newly selected 2026 Miss SAKE Azerbaijan, MƏRYAM ABDULLAYEVA is expected to promote the appeal of Japanese sake and Japanese culture both within Azerbaijan and abroad, while serving as a bridge to further strengthen the friendship between Japan and Azerbaijan.
Furthermore, MƏRYAM was scheduled to participate in the 2026 Miss SAKE Japan Final Selection Competition on June 13. As the Miss SAKE network continues to expand beyond borders, we look forward to witnessing her future achievements.
Finally, I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to the organizing committee, sponsors, partner organizations, and all attendees whose support made this event possible.
Through the continued expansion of Miss SAKE activities around the world, I hope that the beauty of Japanese sake and Japanese culture will reach even more people across the globe.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
