The 8th Sakeology Symposium, organized by Niigata University, the Hotel Italia Ken, Niigata Prefecture, and the Niigata Sake Brewers Association, was held in a hybrid format (on-site and online) on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Hotel Italia Ken, Niigata, Japan.

【Part 1: Lecture Session】
The symposium began with a welcome speech by USHIKI Tatsuo, M.D., Ph.D., President of Niigata University.

USHIKI Tatsuo, M.D., Ph.D., President of Niigata University

Then, SAKUMA Hiromichi, Counsellor, Cabinet Secretariat (Domestic affairs summary), Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Division, gave a special lecture titled “Gratitude for Japan’s Proud Sake and Its Future Potential,” and introduced the perspective of the government about trends and targets for sake exports, past initiatives, and future possibilities.

SAKUMA Hiromichi, Counsellor, Office of Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat

Next, under the theme of “University Initiatives in Sakeology,” representatives from educational institutions and related companies in five regions of Japan, where Sakeology is offered as a lecture course, introduced distinctive local initiatives and shared their prospects.

University Initiatives in Sakeology
(from left to right)KISHI Yasuyuki, Director of the Sakeology Center, Niigata University / NISHIMUKAI Takao, Director and Head of Production Department, Sawanotsuru Co., Ltd. / KOSEKI Toshihiko, Special Advisor, Yamagata Prefecture Sake Brewers Association

University Initiatives in Sakeology
(from left to right)MATSUSHIMA Ken, Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University / KAWABATA Shinji, Executive Vice President and Chief Toji, Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.

During the subsequent panel discussion, the five presenters and Mr. Sakuma shared their diverse opinions and ideas on how to develop Sakeology in the Future. Many comments were also contributed by the audience, leading to a lively debate.

Scene from the Panel Discussion

【Part 2: Tasting Event】
The tasting event titled “Savoring Sakeology – A Moment to Drink, Talk, and Learn” was held at Gondorina on the 12th floor of the Hotel Italia Ken.

In addition to sake from Niigata, Hyogo (Nada), Yamagata, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido, a booth by Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd., located in Niigata City, was also featured, offering a lineup of sake rich in regional character.
Participants enjoyed unique sake from each region along with delicious dishes prepared by the Hotel Italia Ken using ingredients from Niigata City and the Prefecture.

Sake from Each Region
(Top row, from left to right)Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (Niigata City) / Niigata Prefecture / Hyogo (Nada) Prefecture
(Bottom row, from left to right) Yamagata Prefecture / Hiroshima Prefecture / Hokkaido)

A variety of dishes from the Hotel Italia Ken

In the latter part of the event, Furumachi Geigi performed traditional dances, songs, and shamisen, creating an elegant and festive atmosphere in the venue.

Performance by Furumachi Geigi

This symposium was attended by a large number of participants from both within and outside the prefecture, exceeding the planned capacity.
Participants shared their impressions of the valuable learning and active exchange, such as: “It was great to learn about Sakeology initiatives in different prefectures,” “Sake tastes exceptional after hearing the professors’ talks,” and “Both the food and the sake were absolutely delicious.”

Group Photo