Last Updated on 2025 年 4 月 22 日 by 総合編集組
Exploring the Future of Sake: JAPANESE SAKE SUMMIT at Kansai Expo 2025
The JAPANESE SAKE SUMMIT, set to take place on April 26, 2025, at the Kansai Expo in Osaka, is a must-attend event for sake enthusiasts, industry professionals, and cultural explorers. Hosted at the ORA Pavilion 2F (Banquet Lab), this summit transcends a typical exhibition by fostering a dynamic dialogue about the evolution of Japanese sake. Organized by Kannetsu Co., Ltd., the event combines tradition with cutting-edge innovation, offering both in-person and online access to a global audience.
A Platform for Sake’s Past and Future
The summit gathers a diverse lineup of sake industry leaders, including master brewers, sommeliers, journalists, and influencers. Unlike conventional sake tastings, this event emphasizes intellectual exchange, diving into the cultural and technological advancements shaping sake’s trajectory. Held amidst the futuristic backdrop of the Kansai Expo, the summit creates a unique contrast, blending Japan’s 2,000-year-old sake heritage with modern innovation.
Attendees can expect an immersive experience, with the venue designed to evoke traditional Japanese aesthetics, filled with the delicate aromas of premium sake. For those unable to attend in person, a YouTube livestream(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0soSnfDQkY) ensures global accessibility, though live commenting is disabled to maintain focus on the content.
Four Key Themes Shaping Sake’s Future
The summit is structured around four compelling themes, each addressing a critical aspect of the sake industry:
Sake Today and Tomorrow: This segment explores how sake maintains its traditional essence while adapting to modern tastes. Discussions will cover experimental brewing techniques, such as using unique yeast strains or rare rice varieties, which could redefine sake’s flavor profiles and market appeal.
-30°C Technology: A Game-Changer for Sake: Kannetsu’s innovative -30°C freezing technology promises to preserve sake’s aroma and flavor with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough could revolutionize international shipping, allowing global consumers to enjoy sake as fresh as it is in Japan, while also introducing novel drinking experiences.
The Art of Sake Sommeliers: Sake sommeliers do more than serve; they are storytellers who connect consumers with the cultural and technical nuances of each bottle. This theme highlights their role in pairing sake with cuisine and bridging Japanese traditions with global audiences.
Global Market Expansion: With sake exports growing by 180% over the past decade to over 35 billion yen, this session examines strategies to overcome cultural and logistical barriers. Special attention will be given to tailored marketing approaches for Asian markets, where sake’s popularity is surging.
A Star-Studded Lineup
While the full speaker list is yet to be announced, the summit is expected to feature prominent figures such as the president of Dassai, renowned for its premium junmai daiginjo, or sake critic Tanaka Hisaya, whose writings have popularized sake worldwide. International sake ambassadors may also share insights on promoting sake in diverse cultural contexts, making this a truly global conversation.
How to Participate
The event is free to attend, though a Kansai Expo ticket is required for in-person participation. Scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on April 26, 2025, the summit is ideal for media, sake professionals, and cultural enthusiasts. Visitors can seamlessly integrate the event into their Expo itinerary, transitioning from high-tech exhibits to the refined ambiance of the Banquet Lab. For remote viewers, the livestream offers a front-row seat to the discussions.
About the Organizer
Kannetsu Co., Ltd., founded in 1978 and based in Osaka, specializes in environmental and thermal technologies, including cooling and water treatment systems. Their expertise in integrating tradition with innovation makes them a fitting host for this forward-thinking summit. More details are available at their website (https://www.kannetsu.co.jp/) and their freezing technology portal (https://www.freeze-master.com/).
Why This Matters Sake, with its roots in ancient rituals, has evolved into a global symbol of Japanese craftsmanship. The JAPANESE SAKE SUMMIT is a pivotal moment, celebrating this legacy while charting a path for its future. Whether you’re a sake connoisseur or a curious traveler, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of tradition, innovation, and global culture. Mark your calendar for April 26, 2025, and join the conversation at Kansai Expo.
