#Japan #Tokyo #Nanbu Bijin #Sake Competition #Takahiro Hayashi

Celebrating Young Talent: The Diners Club Young Brewer Award at Sake Competition 2025

In a prestigious ceremony held on June 10, 2025, at Takanawa Gateway City in Tokyo, the Diners Club Young Brewer Award was presented to the Nanbu Bijin brewery, located in Iwate Prefecture. This award highlights the accomplishments of Takahiro Hayashi, the brewery’s brewmaster, who, at just 34 years old, has made a significant impact in the world of sake brewing.

Since its inception in 2016, the purpose of this award has been to support young brewers who are poised to become the future of Japan’s sake industry. With this year’s recognition, it marks the seventh year that this award has been given, proving that the tradition of excellence continues to thrive in Japan's sake community. Out of a staggering total of 1,163 entries at the Sake Competition 2025, Nanbu Bijin's Junmai Daiginjo was notably chosen for this prestigious accolade.

Overview of Sake Competition 2025

The Sake Competition, initiated in 2012, is renowned as one of the largest sake competitions globally and focuses exclusively on commercially available sake. This year, after preliminary rounds conducted in May, the final judging took place, culminating in the award announcement on June 10. The competition is divided into six categories, including Junmai, Junmai Ginjo, Junmai Daiginjo, Super Premium, Overseas Entries, and Modern Natural Sake.

The award-winning bottle of Nanbu Bijin, featuring their Junmai Daiginjo, captured the attention of attendees and critics alike, elevating the brewery’s profile on both national and international levels.

About the Diners Club Young Brewer Award

Diners Club has been a proud supporter of the Sake Competition since 2016, presenting the Young Brewer Award each year. Their mission is imbued with dedication to exposing consumers to exquisite sake options regardless of brand, and this initiative aligns perfectly with their overall commitment to championing young talent.

This year’s award went exclusively to Nanbu Bijin for its Junmai Daiginjo, achieving third place in the Junmai Daiginjo category. Hayashi expressed gratitude for the award, acknowledging the support of his colleagues and the community. He stated, "Winning this award is a tribute to everyone's faith in me and the trust to manage such delicate work. However, I see this as just a step in our journey. Satisfaction is elusive; this award means we achieved the best result we could at that moment. My goal is to replicate this achievement with each batch of sake produced."

Voices from Nanbu Bijin

Yuzo Kuji, the managing director of Nanbu Bijin, applauded Hayashi, describing his entrance into the brewing scene as akin to a comet gracing the sake horizon. Hayashi is set to obtain the title of Nanbu Toji (head brewer) this summer, and with his expertise and vision, Nanbu Bijin is well-positioned for a bright future.

The brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to garner support through media features, including articles in the Diners Club Signature magazine and various promotional campaigns.

The Broader Impact of Diners Club

Diners Club extends its influence beyond award sponsorship; they actively promote young talent across various sectors. Their initiatives not only include the support of young brewers but also encompass partnerships with female professional golfers and collaborations with Tokyo University of the Arts to host artist-support concerts. They emphasize the importance of nurturing Japan's rich cultural heritage and its various culinary traditions.

Furthermore, Diners Club's community projects, such as the Furusato Tokimeki Project, celebrate Japan's local specialties and traditions while also contributing to restoration efforts like those for Kumamoto Castle through their member rewards program.

A Special Invitation to Join Diners Club

In celebration of these achievements, Diners Club is currently running a campaign for new members that offers, among other benefits, waivers on the first-year annual fee and a generous points bonus upon joining. This highlights their ongoing commitment to providing exceptional experiences that extend well beyond regular credit card offerings.

Potential members can explore more about joining this exclusive club through their official website.

This award and ongoing efforts underscore Diners Club's dedication to supporting young talent and preserving Japan's cultural treasures, proving once again that the heart of tradition and innovation beats strongly in the world of sake.

For further details regarding Sake Competition 2025 and the award winners, visit the official site.