Hello everyone,
This is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On May 22, I had the pleasure of attending SAKE MANILA 2026, held at OKADA MANILA in the Philippines, together with 2026 Miss SAKE Philippines Nicole Nadine Artuz and 2025 Miss SAKE Philippines Sayuri Murayama. We were also honored to be joined by Mika Onishi, Representative Director of the Miss SAKE Association.
About SAKE MANILA
SAKE MANILA is one of the largest celebrations of Japanese sake and culture in the Philippines, organized by Philippines Wine Merchant. Marking its third edition this year, the event attracted a large number of sake enthusiasts and admirers of Japanese culture, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere throughout the venue.
The event brought together renowned breweries and distilleries from across Japan, showcasing more than 200 premium beverages, including sake, shochu, whisky, gin, beer, and wine. Visitors enjoyed exploring the diverse flavors while deepening their appreciation of Japan’s rich SAKE culture.
Beyond tastings, the event also served as a valuable networking platform where attendees could interact directly with brewery representatives, leading Japanese manufacturers, and distinguished guests from various fields. Through SAKE, the festival fostered meaningful cultural exchange and strengthened the friendship between Japan and the Philippines.
In addition, visitors were treated to a variety of cultural programs, including an impressive tuna-cutting demonstration, traditional performances featuring taiko drums and koto, as well as contemporary DJ performances. Together, these experiences offered a comprehensive introduction to Japan’s culinary traditions, cultural heritage, and modern creativity.
Cross-Border Connections Through Sake
During the event, I had the opportunity to introduce Japanese sake and serve visitors primarily at the booth of Ishimoto Shuzo (Niigata Prefecture), the brewery renowned for its flagship brand, Koshino Kanbai.
The following four labels were featured at the booth:
Koshino Kanbai White Label
A classic sake characterized by its refreshing palate and lively, crisp finish.Koshino Kanbai Junmai Ginjo “Sai”
A Junmai Ginjo with a clean and light profile, offering a refreshing alternative to many modern Junmai styles.Koshino Kanbai Junmai Daiginjo “Muku”
Made with Yamada Nishiki rice polished to 48%, this sake beautifully expresses the natural umami of the rice with depth and elegance.Koshino Kanbai Junmai Daiginjo “Kinmuku”
Crafted from Yamada Nishiki polished to 35%, this is considered the pinnacle of the Koshino Kanbai lineup and has received numerous international awards.
While serving guests, I introduced Ishimoto Shuzo’s commitment to rice, water, maturation, and ginjo-style brewing, as well as its brewing philosophy of “Ichirin Itteki” (One Drop, One Flower), which embodies the pursuit of creating sake that is consistently delicious at any time. Many visitors commented that the sake was “smooth with a beautifully clean finish” and “elegant yet rich in rice umami.” Some guests returned multiple times to compare all four labels and discover their favorite. Others searched the brewery’s website or asked where they could purchase the products after tasting them. It was truly rewarding to help create new encounters between people and Japanese sake. Witnessing the appeal of sake transcend national borders and develop into meaningful connections was a memorable experience.
I was also delighted to reconnect with Mr. Shigeru Shimoda, President of Marubeni Philippines Corporation and Chairman of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, as well as many individuals from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines who have kindly supported our activities.
Sharing the Spirit of Craftsmanship with the World
In addition to breweries and distilleries, the venue featured numerous exhibitors representing leading manufacturers from around the world, including companies specializing in supplements, cosmetics, and electronic cigarettes.
It was impressive to see visitors listening attentively to exhibitors’ explanations while deepening their understanding of products through tastings and product demonstrations.
One of the event’s greatest attractions was the opportunity to experience not only the products themselves but also the philosophies, technologies, and craftsmanship behind them. Through conversations with producers and company representatives, visitors gained insight into the stories and values that shape each brand, creating opportunities for cultural exchange that extended far beyond product promotion.
Carrying the Spirit of Miss SAKE
We, the Miss SAKE representatives, were honored to participate in a parade alongside brewery representatives and later address the audience from the stage. During my remarks, I introduced the activities of Miss SAKE and expressed my gratitude for the opportunity to share this special occasion with everyone through SAKE.
The stage also served as the official introduction of 2026 Miss SAKE Philippines Nicole Nadine Artuz. Having studied kimono dressing for sixteen years, she possesses a deep appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture. I am confident that her passion and dedication will contribute greatly to promoting Japanese sake culture throughout the Philippines in the years to come.
Participating Sake Breweries
Amabuki Brewery “Amabuki” (Saga), Nakano Shuzo “Chiebijin” (Oita), Chiyomusubi Shuzo “Chiyomusubi” (Tottori), Asahi Shuzo “Dassai” (Yamaguchi), Izumibashi Shuzo “Izumibashi” (Kanagawa), Gekkeikan (Kyoto), Tatsuuma-Honke Brewing “Hakushika” (Hyogo), Hakkai Brewery “Hakkaisan” (Niigata), Hayashihonten “Hyakujuro” (Gifu), Nabedana “Jinyu” (Chiba), Koedo Kagamiyama Brewery “Kagamiyama” (Saitama), Fukumitsuya “Kagatobi” (Ishikawa), Kikuchi Shuzo “Kimurashiki Kiseki no Osake” (Okayama), Kikuchi Shuzo “Sanzen” (Okayama), Nishino Kinryo “Kinryo” (Kagawa), Kitaya (Fukuoka), Ishimoto Shuzo “Koshino Kanbai” (Niigata), Nakashima Jozo “Kozaemon” (Gifu), Obata Shuzo “Manotsuru” (Niigata), Miyasaka Brewing “Masumi” (Nagano), Nanbu Bijin (Iwate) “Nanbu Bijin”, Maruishi Brewing “Nito” (Aichi), Okunomatsu Brewery “Okunomatsu” (Fukushima), Mifuku Shuzo “Sanrensei” (Shiga), Mifuku Shuzo “Mifuku” (Shiga), Tenzan Shuzo “Shichida” (Saga), Takara Shuzo “Shochikubai” (Kyoto), Chiyo Shuzo “Shinomine” (Nara), Suigei Brewing “Suigei” (Kochi), Tatenokawa Brewery “Tatenokawa” (Yamagata), Honda Shoten “Tatsuriki” (Hyogo), and Saura Co., Ltd. “Urakasumi” (Miyagi).
Through SAKE MANILA 2026, I was once again reminded that sake is much more than a beverage—it possesses the power to connect people, cultures, and nations. Witnessing the growing interest in sake throughout the Philippines and experiencing the deep appreciation for Japanese culture among local audiences filled me with great joy and encouragement. I believe that each encounter and connection formed through sake is a valuable asset that will support the future of sake culture around the world.
As Miss SAKE, I will continue to share the history, culture, regional characteristics, and craftsmanship behind Japanese sake with audiences both in Japan and abroad. By cherishing the connections created through sake, I hope to serve as a bridge between Japan and the world and contribute to building deeper mutual understanding through cultural exchange.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
