Sakeology A (Introduction), Sakeology B (Practical), and Sakeology C (Practical examples of research) were launched for FY2022.

Sakeology A (Introduction) was offered online from April 13 (Wed) to August 3 (Wed). The lectures began with an explanation of the origins of Sakeology and covered a wide range of topics related to sake, including basic scientific knowledge of sake production processes, cultural aspects of sake such as its history and regionality, the sake tax system, economics and management, sake etiquette, the relationship between sake and the brain or health, the state of sake overseas, comparisons with other alcoholic beverages such as beer, food pairings, and other aspects of sake. Lecturers were not only faculty members of Sakeology Center but also experts in various fields from within and outside Niigata University. Almost 1,000 students requested to attend the course, out of a maximum capacity of 460. Note that this year, Sakeology A has been offered for an entire semester.

Sakeology B (Practical) is a two-day intensive course for students over 20 years old who have earned credits for Sakeology A. This year, the course was held on August 9 (Tue) and 10 (Wed) face-to-face, whereas it had been held online for the past two years since 2020.
On the first day, lecturers from Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute gave an introductory lecture on sake tasting, and then students actually practiced the tasting on their own. In addition, a cooking expert delivered a lecture on food pairing with sake, introducing a variety of dishes that go well with sake, and students had a hands-on learning experience.
On the second day, with the cooperation of Kirinzan Brewery Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tsugawa, Aga, Higashikanbara, Niigata), students visited there and received lectures. The president of the brewery gave a lecture on their initiatives, and then the Toji (Master Brewer) gave a detailed explanation of the brewing process and facilities during the sake brewery tour. In the afternoon, lecturers from Niigata Sake Brewers Association gave lectures titled “Regional Revitalization through Sake,” which were followed by a lively discussion between the lecturers and students. The two-day course was concluded with a lecture on the etiquette of drinking sake by Mr. HIRATA Dairoku, former principal of Niigata Sake School. Twenty students attended this practical course.

Sakeology C (Practical examples of research) was offered from June 15 (Wed) to August 3 (Wed). It was an online lecture last year, but we conducted the course as a face-to-face class this year. Five Specially Appointed Assistant Professors of Sakeology Center gave lectures on the latest research in various fields related to sake. The final lecture’s topic was “Consideration of Sakeology,” in which all lecturers answered questions from students to deepen their study of Sakeology. Over 250 students applied for the course while the limit was 100.

For more information on each course, please visit the education page of the Sakeology Center website.

Sakeology B at Kirinzan Brewery Co., Ltd.

Sakeology C