Hello everyone, this is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Friday, September 26th, I had the pleasure of joining the “Wakayama Local Sake Appreciation Gathering 2025” at Hotel Granvia Wakayama, together with Urara Miyazawa, 2024 Miss SAKE Japan Runner-up.
About the “Wakayama Local Sake Appreciation Gathering”
Hosted by the Wakayama Prefecture Sake Brewers Association, this long-loved annual event brings together breweries from across the prefecture, offering guests the chance to taste a wide variety of distinctive local sake unique to the Kishu region. Following opening remarks by Chairman Fumio Yamamoto and congratulatory greetings from Governor Izumi Miyazaki of Wakayama Prefecture, we Miss SAKE representatives also had the honor of participating in the celebratory kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening), marking the lively beginning of the evening. This year, more than 400 guests attended, and the venue was filled with vibrant energy throughout.
A total of 15 breweries proudly presented their finest creations, offering over 40 varieties ranging from beloved classics suited for pairing with meals to modern, fruit-forward styles, as well as an array of umeshu (plum wines). Guests also enjoyed exquisite dishes made with Wakayama’s rich local ingredients, savoring the perfect harmony between sake and the flavors of regional seafood and mountain delicacies.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, the event was hosted by the local comedy duo Sumiyoshi Brothers. As Miss SAKE, we gave opening greetings, assisted with tastings at brewery booths, and took part in the much-anticipated raffle. The raffle featured exciting prizes such as bottles of sake, ochoko cups, and tokkuri carafes from each brewery, which brought great excitement to the entire hall.
The Spirit of Wakayama’s Brewers
Visiting each booth and assisting with tastings gave me the opportunity not only to enjoy the flavor of the sake itself, but also to learn about the balance of tradition and innovation that sustains these breweries. Listening to the brewers speak with such heartfelt pride and love for Wakayama, I was deeply moved by their determination to enliven their communities through sake. The participating breweries were as follows:
The participating breweries were as follows:
Sekaiitto (Wakayama City) – Minakata
Tencho-Shimamura Shuzo (Wakayama City) – Koyasan, Yoshimune
Shukuhou Shuzo (Wakayama City) – Kishu Sakigake
Tabata Shuzo (Wakayama City) – Rashomon
Nate Shuzo (Kainan City) – Kuro-Ushi
Shimamoto Shuzojo (Kainan City) – Miyo Masamune
Nakano BC (Kainan City) – Chokyu, Ki no Kuniya Bunzaemon
Tsuhou Shuzo (Kainan City) – Furotsuru
Heiwa Shuzo (Kainan City) – KID
Hatsuhikari Shuzo (Kinokawa City) – Yorokobi, Omedetou
Hatsuzakura Shuzo (Katsuragi, Ito District) – Hannyato
Kokonoesaika (Kinokawa City) – Saika
Hiramatsu Honke Shuzojo (Wakayama City) – Kinaoi
Takagaki Shuzo (Wakayama City) – Kiseizuru, Kirari, Nagaregasumi
Ozaki Shuzo (Wakayama City) – Taiheiyo
The “Wakayama Local Sake Appreciation Gathering 2025” was far more than a tasting event—it was a celebration of the depth of sake nurtured by Kishu’s natural environment and culinary heritage. Surrounded by the warm hospitality of both guests and brewers, I was delighted to share in the love for sake.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, and to the breweries for their kind welcome. Thank you very much.
Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan
