#Japan #Tokyo #Mead Festival #Honey Wine #Japan Mead Association

Experience Japan's Rich Mead Culture at the 6th Japan Mead Fest

The Japan Mead Association, based in Kyoto, is set to host the 6th Japan Mead Fest on March 28, 2026, at the historical Akarenga Sake Brewery in Tokyo's Kita Ward. This large-scale event will showcase approximately 60 different types of mead from 17 brands representing both local and international producers.

Exciting Activities Await

The festival is designed to immerse visitors in the joy and culture surrounding mead and honey. The schedule includes various engaging activities:
1. Seminars on Honey and Mead: Industry experts and researchers will lead discussions on various aspects of mead, including its cultural significance and health benefits.
2. Honey Sales and Workshops: Visitors can taste and purchase different varieties of honey. Workshops on making honey-related products will also be available.
3. Beekeeping Culture Exhibition: Attendees will gain insights into the world of beekeeping and its significance in the honey production process.

Special Guest Appearances

On the same day, there will be a joint press conference featuring Japanese manufacturers who received awards at the Mead Madness Cup, one of the largest mead competitions in the world, held in Poland in February 2026. With the event coinciding with the cherry blossom season, participants can enjoy delightful scenery at Asukayama Park while exploring the rich mead culture of Japan.

Celebrating a Decade of Mead

The Japan Mead Association is commemorating its 10th anniversary through this festival, aiming to enhance the awareness and appreciation of mead culture in Japan, alongside promoting the benefits and beauty of honey and bees.

Event Overview

• - Event Title: 6th Japan Mead Fest (10th Anniversary of the Japan Mead Association)
• - Date: March 28, 2026
• - Schedule:

- 10:10 AM to 11:20 AM: Opening Ceremony (Media and Guests)
- 11:20 AM to 11:55 AM: Award Winners' Press Conference (Media and Guests)
- 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Open to the public

• - Location: Akarenga Sake Brewery, 2-6-30 Takinohama, Kita Ward, Tokyo (8-minute walk from JR Oji Station)
• - Admission: Free entry; however, a tasting wristband is required for mead sampling (1,500 yen).

For tickets, please visit Peatix.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

The opening ceremony will feature congratulatory speeches from key figures, including:

• - Shunro Ino, Member of the House of Representatives
• - Hiroyuki Nemoto, Deputy Director for Tax at the National Tax Agency
• - Kazutoshi Nobuto, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Key Activities

1. Honey and Mead Seminars: Presentations by researchers covering cultural connections with mead, bee behavior, and health benefits attributed to mead consumption.
2. Mead Tasting: Enjoy tasting and purchasing mead from 17 different brands, offering insights from the producers themselves.
3. Honey Sales and Workshops: Experience honey tasting, bee-related workshops, and opportunities to learn about sustainable beekeeping practices.

Expected Mead Producers

The fest will host a diverse array of producers showcasing their unique meads:

• - Mine no Yuki Sake Brewery (Fukushima)
• - Taka Taka (Tochigi)
• - Okhotsk Linden Mead (Hokkaido)
• - Hony Beer (Kanagawa)
• - Ishigaki Island Honey (Okinawa)
• - Antelope (Shiga)
• - And many more!

About Mead

Mead, often referred to as the 'oldest alcoholic beverage in the world,' is made from honey, water, and yeast. Its historical roots span across various cultures, notably influencing wedding traditions with the term "honeymoon."

About the Japan Mead Association

Founded in September 2015, the Japan Mead Association aims to promote and develop mead culture in Japan through events, research, and collaborative efforts within the industry.
The 6th Japan Mead Fest promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together enthusiasts and newcomers alike to celebrate the diversity and richness of mead culture in Japan and beyond. Don’t miss this chance to participate in one of the country’s most cherished beverage festivals.