Hello everyone,
My name is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On June 1, 2026, I had the honor of attending the 2026 Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao Appointment Ceremony, held at Yoru Cuisine in Hong Kong. I was also accompanied by Ms. Mai Morita of the Miss SAKE Association.
About 2026 Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao
The 2026 Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao program was organized with THE RULER, a company engaged in the import and distribution of Japanese sake in Hong Kong, serving as the brand partner.
Hong Kong is one of the most important international markets for the Japanese sake industry. Supported by its favorable tariff system and strong purchasing power, Hong Kong has long been one of the world’s leading export destinations for Japanese sake. In addition to its role as one of Asia’s foremost logistics and financial hubs, the city is home to numerous sake specialty shops, restaurants, and educational institutions, making it a significant center for the promotion of sake culture. In recent years, sake has increasingly been enjoyed not only as Japan’s traditional alcoholic beverage but also alongside wine and whisky as part of a broader global drinking culture. As such, Hong Kong continues to play a vital role in enhancing the international value of sake and expanding its global market presence. At this appointment ceremony, a new ambassador was officially appointed to promote the appeal of sake culture from Hong Kong to the world as the 2026 Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao.
This event was made possible through the generous support of numerous sponsors.
Event Sponsor: Tsang Kei Wah Scholarship Fund
Venue Sponsor: Yoru Cuisine
Restaurant Sponsors: Lung Shing Kam Kee (Tsim Sha Tsui), Leo’s Kitchen (Tsuen Wan), Top Harbour Seafood Restaurant (Tsim Sha Tsui), and Shinshi Izakaya (Mong Kok)
Gift Sponsors: Be Pure (NMN), Man Pang Kitchenware
Planning & Operations Sponsor: Infinity G
Promoting Sake Culture from Hong Kong: The Moment of Appointment
At the ceremony, Ms. Szeching was officially appointed as the 2026 Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao.
Szeching is an active member of a girls’ group and has captivated many audiences through her singing and dancing performances. During her speech, delivered in fluent Japanese, she spoke passionately about her deep appreciation for sake culture and her desire to serve as a bridge connecting Hong Kong and Japan through sake. Her remarks were truly inspiring, highlighting the potential of sake to bring together people from different cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
During the ceremony, I also had the opportunity to share insights into the activities of Miss SAKE and discuss the important role Hong Kong plays within the global sake industry. I expressed my sincere encouragement and expectations for Szeching’s future activities as the newly appointed Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao. Following the speech, I had the honor of presenting her with the official sash. Surrounded by warm applause from the audience, we celebrated the birth of a new Miss SAKE together.
A Gathering Connected Through Food and Sake
The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Chak William, who is active across various fields in Hong Kong. Throughout the event, a warm and welcoming atmosphere prevailed as attendees gathered to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao. As part of the ceremony, commemorative plaques and tokens of appreciation were presented by Szeching to the sponsors who had supported the program. It was a meaningful reminder that opportunities to promote cultural exchange are made possible through the support of dedicated organizations and individuals.
Following the appointment ceremony, a sake and Japanese cuisine pairing session was held at the venue. Guests were introduced to the unique characteristics of various sake selections and their compatibility with different dishes. Through tasting experiences, participants were able to discover the depth and diversity of sake.
Throughout the event, many attendees enthusiastically exchanged impressions and asked thoughtful questions about sake, demonstrating a strong interest in Japanese sake culture. It was particularly impressive to see sake appreciated not merely as a beverage, but also as a gateway to understanding Japanese food culture, regional traditions, and craftsmanship. The event provided a valuable opportunity to witness the growing interest in sake within Hong Kong and to experience the tremendous potential for further development of sake culture in the region.
Through the 2026 Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao Appointment Ceremony, I was once again reminded of the remarkable enthusiasm for sake in Hong Kong and of the tremendous international potential that sake possesses. Sake is far more than simply an alcoholic beverage. It embodies Japan’s climate, history, culture, and the passion of the people who craft it. It was truly encouraging to see that people around the world resonate with these values and are helping to share and expand sake culture within their own communities.
I also hope that the appointment of a new Miss SAKE Hong Kong / Macao will further strengthen the bonds between Hong Kong and Japan and create new opportunities for cultural exchange, friendship, and collaboration through sake.
As Miss SAKE, I will continue to share not only the flavors and appeal of sake, but also the culture, history, and human connections that lie behind it. Through these efforts, I hope to contribute to the continued growth and development of sake culture both in Japan and around the world.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
