The 9th International Sakeology Symposium will be jointly hosted by Niigata University, Niigata Prefecture, and the Niigata Sake Brewers Association on December 5 and 6, 2026, at Toki Messe in Niigata City. The symposium will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend either in person or online.

The theme of this year’s symposium is “Connecting Through Sakeology: Expanding International Collaborative Research and Inter-university Networks through Sakeology × Oenology.” This symposium will bring together researchers from Japan and abroad　to promote the advancement of sakeology and foster international academic exchange.

 

In Session 1, researchers from the University of Bordeaux (France), UC Davis (USA), and the University of Adelaide (Australia) will introduce the latest research achievements and initiatives in oenology and related fields.

In Session 2, culinary expert NAKAJIMA Yuka will lead a sake tasting and food-pairing experience, where participants can learn about the harmony between sake and cuisine. A networking reception will also be held, offering an opportunity to explore a variety of pairings involving sake, wine, and Niigata cuisine.

 

In Session 3, researchers from Japanese universities promoting sakeology will share their research and discuss inter-university collaboration and the development of researcher networks.

We hope this symposium will provide an opportunity to explore both the present and future of sakeology while learning about the unique research activities carried out at participating universities. We sincerely look forward to your participation.

 

The 9th International Sakeology Symposium “Connecting Through Sakeology: Expanding International Collaborative Research and Inter-university Networks through Sakeology × Oenology”

 

[Date and Time]

Saturday, December 5, 2026

・Session 1: International Symposium I 13:00 – 16:10

・Session 2: Sake Tasting & Pairing Experience 16:40- 18:40

Sunday, December 6, 2026

・Session 3: International Symposium II 9:30 – 12:00

 

[Event Overview]

Session 1: International Symposium I – International Collaborative Research through Sakeology × Oenology

Date/Time: December 5, 2026 (Sat) 13:00–16:10

Participation Format: Hybrid  (In-person/Online)

Venue: Toki Messe (Niigata Convention Center) 3F Medium-sized Conference Room 301 (6-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata 950-0078 Japan）

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Participation Fee: Free

Capacity: 100 in-person, 200 online

 

Session 2: Sake Tasting & Pairing Experience

Date/Time: December 5, 2026 (Sat) 16:40–18:40

Participation Format: In-person Only

Venue: Toki Messe (Niigata Convention Center) 3F Medium-sized Conference Room 302

Instructor: NAKAJIMA Yuka (Culinary Expert)

Eligibility: Open to anyone aged 20 or over

Participation Fee: JPY 3,500

Capacity: 100 in-person

 

Session 3: International Symposium II – Toward the Formation of an Inter-university Network

Date/Time: December 6, 2026 (Sun) 09:30–12:00

Participation Format: Hybrid (In-person/Online)

Venue: Toki Messe (Niigata Convention Center)  2F Snow Hall

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Capacity: 100 in-person, 200 online

Participation Fee: Free

 

[How to Apply]

Please complete and submit the application form.

(Personal information provided will be used solely for this event.)

Register in English

https://forms.office.com/r/gVZ3Yj1TkC

Registration Deadline: December 1, 2026 (Tue)

Organizers: Niigata University, Niigata Prefecture, Niigata Sake Brewers Association

 

Program details will be announced once they are finalized.

Registration for each session will close once capacity is reached.

Participants in Session 2 (Sake Tasting & Pairing Experience) are kindly requested not to drive to the venue, as alcoholic beverages will be served.

Language: Japanese and English (AI-powered real-time interpretation will be provided)

 

[Contact]

Sakeology Center, Niigata University

Tel: +81-25-262-7695 (Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, excluding public holidays)

E-mail: info[@]sake.nu.niigata-u.ac.jp

Please remove the brackets ([ ]) before sending your email.