#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Sake #Tokyo Big Sight #Sake Leaders Summit

SAKE LEADERS SUMMIT 2026: Bridging Tradition and Future

The SAKE LEADERS SUMMIT 2026, organized by camo Inc. and TSO International Inc., is set to take place from August 4 to August 6, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. This event is a unique business conference focusing on the Japanese sake industry, bringing together sake brewers, industry stakeholders, and experts to address pressing issues and cultivate future strategies. With the domestic market contracting and the global expansion of Japanese sake accelerating, this summit aims to foster dialogue, expand networks, and promote collaboration and brand-building initiatives.

Event Overview

The summit will feature nine sessions over three days, each tackling different aspects of the sake industry. The diverse panels will cover international market strategies, regulatory discussions regarding sake production licenses, and critical insights into succession planning and the future of sake craftsmanship. In addition to informative sessions, participants will have the chance to engage in tastings hosted by various sake breweries, enhancing the overall experience.

Day 1: Global Strategy and Cultural Identity

• - S-1: Challenges of New Markets and Global Strategies

Time: 10:30 - 12:00
Speakers include:
- Kazuhiko Sakurai (Dassai)
- Shigeharu Asagiri (Kyodo Shouji, Coedo Beer)
- Genki Ito (Palate Project)
- Kenji Okamoto (National Tax Agency)
- Naoki Tsujimoto (Nishimura Asahi Law Firm)
This session will focus on developing strategies for entering new global markets.

• - S-2: Defining the Framework of Sake Worldwide

Time: 13:00 - 14:30
Speakers include:
- Noriyoshi Nagai (Nagai Sake Brewery)
- Jun Kono (Sohomori Sake Brewery)
- Baku Takahashi (Sake Educator & Consultant)
- Saki Ikawa (Inflowressence)
Here, discussions will delve into establishing sake's standing in the global arena.

• - S-3: Sake as a Culture and Its Position in Capitalism

Time: 15:00 - 16:30
Speakers include:
- Hiraku Ogura (Fermentation Designer)
- Souichiro Tsuji (Tsuji Sake Brewery)
- Yasuyuki Kishi (Director of Sake Studies Center, Niigata University)
- Kazuo Oishi (Cultural Agency Official)
This session will examine the intersection of sake culture and capitalism.

Day 2: Reevaluating Production License Regulations

• - S-4: Current Status of Production License Regulations

Time: 10:30 - 12:00
Speakers include:
- Masataka Shirakashi (Kenbishi Sake Brewery)
- Taiji Okura (Gekkeikan)

• - S-5 & S-6: A Two-Part Discussion on License Regulation Reevaluation

Time: 13:00 - 16:30
Featuring prominent industry figures, these sessions will scrutinize current liquor license regulations and propose amendments to better facilitate sake production.

Day 3: Succession and Future of Craftsmanship

• - S-7: Reality of Business Succession

Time: 10:30 - 12:00
Speakers include:
- Yoshinori Honda (Nomura Securities)
- Seiichi Kado (Tennryo Sake Brewery)
- Risa Aoki (Aoi Sake Brewery)

• - S-8: Generational Transitions in Legendary Breweries

Time: 13:00 - 14:30
Speakers include:
- Kenji Hiroki (Hiroki Sake Brewery)
- Jiro Nagumo (Hakkaisan)

• - S-9: The Next Careers of Craftsmen and Nurturing Successors

Time: 15:00 - 16:30
Speakers include:
- Tatsuya Ishikawa (Japan Sake Brewers Association)
- Tatsuya Kojima (Itakura Sake Brewery)
- Shoya Imai (LINNE Sake)
This session will focus on preparing the next generation of sake makers.

Registration and Attendance

To attend the SAKE LEADERS SUMMIT 2026, participants must register on the official website. Attendees can also experience a tasting event, available for a fee of ¥2,000 per day. Registration for exhibit visits is required and can be completed by entering the invitation code SH200030.

Conclusion

This three-day summit is not just an event but a convergence of ideas, cultures, and innovations, aimed at advancing the sake industry while honoring its rich heritage. As the global market for sake continues to grow, engagement in such discussions is vital for the sustainability and legacy of this beloved beverage. Mark your calendars and be part of this essential dialogue at the SAKE LEADERS SUMMIT 2026, held at Tokyo Big Sight.

For further details and inquiries, please contact:
SAKE LEADERS SUMMIT Executive Committee
Email: [email protected]