In 2026, Niigata University will once again be offering the Sakeology Professional Certificate Program (Sakeology ‑ P1), following its successful introduction last year.

Sakeology is the world’s first academic discipline featuring an interdisciplinary focus on the production, business, and culture of Japanese sake. In recent years, global interest in sake has been on the rise. An increasing number of people around the world are seeking to acquire knowledge and skills pertaining to Sakeology, particularly in relation to sake brewing and the production of sake, with intentions of becoming sake brewing practitioners or starting their own sake brewery ventures internationally. In response to such educational needs, in 2025 Niigata University launched this new program, Sakeology Professional Certificate Program (Sakeology-P1), designed to train professionals pursuing sake brewing in an academic and professional capacity.

In 2026, we’re excited to further contribute to the development of professional sake brewing talent, building on the insights and experience gained through course implementation the previous year.

Details about the 2026 program and application process are as follows:

【Number of Applicants (2026)】
Approx. 4 students

【Eligibility/Qualifications】
Applicants must meet the admission criteria of Niigata University as stipulated in Article　41 of the Niigata University Academic Regulations and Articles 17 through 19 of the Niigata University Graduate School Academic Regulations.

Preference will be given to sake brewing practitioners, those currently working in brewing organizations, or who plan to start a business related to the production of sake overseas.
(The linked websites are in Japanese.)

【Course Period】
August 20, 2026 (Thu) – August 30, 2026 (Sun)

【Completion Requirements】
Required to complete the necessary courses, totalling 60 hours.

【Tuition & Fees for the Certificate Program】
Tuition is 66,000 Japanese Yen, along with an estimated additional240,000 Japanese Yen for costs associated with practical training at sake breweries tours, lectures, etc.

【Application Period】
February 16, 2026 (Mon) – March 31, 2026 (Tue) at 17:00 (JST) (must arrive no later than this date and time)

For details about the program and application guidelines, please click here

*Note: Website of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on certificate programs at universities, etc.
(The linked website is in Japanese.)