News

– Five days of conversations on the future of Japan’s traditional industries and culture, from sake and Japanese Tea to Agriculture –

As part of CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2025 at ROPPONGI HILLS (18–29 April), we’re excited to announce a special series of panel talks titled “Challenge – Carrying Japanese Culture into the Future.”

Over the course of five days, we’ll shine a spotlight on key aspects of Japan’s cultural identity—sake, Japanese tea, and agriculture—with leading voices from each field taking the stage to discuss the current challenges and the future of these industries.

Blending global perspectives with on-the-ground realities, this series offers a unique opportunity to explore the next chapter of Japanese culture. Each session will also feature a curated selection of sake and tea inspired by the day’s theme, offering a multi-sensory experience of where tradition meets innovation.


Event Overview
・ Title：Challenge – Carrying Japanese Culture into the Future

・ Dates：Monday 21 April – Friday 25 April 2025
・Time：15:15–16:00 daily
・Venue：Special stage within Roppongi Hills Arena
・Organised by：JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY


▼Daily Programme & Speakers

■ Day 1｜Monday 21 April
Theme: Sake and the Global Market – Challenges and Opportunities
Speakers：
・Hidehiko Matsumoto (CEO & Head Brewer, Hibi Jozo Co., Ltd.)
・Adrienne Saulnier Blache (Owner, Madame Saké – Import & Distribution)

What does it take for sake to thrive on the world stage?
A rising Japanese brewer and a French importer come together to share their insights on taking sake global.


■ Day 2｜Tuesday 22 April
Theme: Exploring Non-Alcoholic Pairings and the Potential of Japanese Tea
Speakers：
・Motohiro Okoshi (Wine Taster / Sommelier)
・Yasuhiko Mitani (Chef, Sushi Mitani)

Redefining the relationship between food and tea.
A sommelier and a master sushi chef dive into the world of Japanese tea through the lens of pairing.


■ Day 3｜Wednesday 23 April
Theme: The Future of Next-Generation Farming – Where Agriculture Meets Sport
Speakers：
・Masaki Tsukano (CEO, SC Tottori)
・Gengo Seta (Executive Officer, Mito HollyHock Football Club)
・Jun Koyama (CEO, AC Fukushima United)

What do farming and football have in common?
Discover how sports clubs are helping cultivate new models of agriculture that support both local communities and people.


■ Day 4｜Thursday 24 April
Theme: The Future of Sake Seen Through Overseas Markets
Speakers：
Marie Chen（Ruby Red Vice President of Sake Division）
Irina Kuo（Kichiriki CEO）

With sake gaining momentum across Asia, including China and Taiwan, two key distributors share their strategies and visions for growth in these expanding markets.


■ Day 5｜Friday 25 April
Theme: The Evolution of Japanese Tea – Bottled Traditions for a Global Audience
Speakers：
・Tsuneaki Tajima (Master Tea Blender, The Tea Company)
・Hidetoshi Nakata (CEO, JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY)

Preserving tradition in every bottle.
Two pioneers at the forefront of bottled tea discuss how Japanese tea is evolving to meet global tastes.


A cross-industry conversation only possible during CRAFT SAKE WEEK.
Join us at the venue to explore where Japanese culture is heading—through the voices shaping its future.

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