World Sake Day (translated to Nihonshu no Hi in Japanese) is an important date in the Japanese calendar with celebrations held annually across the globe. 

This date is considered “New Year’s Day” for sake because it marks the first day of the sake making season in Japan, and to honour it this year, Japan Centre is hosting a series of special sake tastings to raise a glass to one of Japan’s most famous exports. Starting in 1978, the day has become synonymous with commemorating the contribution that sake has had on Japanese culture, as well as the skilled brewers who create the fermented rice drink.

For a limited time, Japan Centre is offering up to 20% off its sake range and presenting a series of tastings so you can try before you buy, as well as learn all about this complex beverage that is created like a beer, but drinks like a wine. They are also putting on an online sake brewery tour for those who wish to learn all about the brewing process. Founded in 1976, Japan Centre has been credited for trailblazing the familiarisation of Japanese food in the UK. A family business to this day, has helped to transform the Japanese food and dining scene in London through its food halls, book shop, and ramen bars. 

Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn more about sake as well as the fascinating culture it was born from.

Japan Centre World Sake Day Events:

Online Event: Visit a Sake Brewery 2nd October, 4pm JST (8am BST London) 

Join Lauren, your local host, on a one-hour virtual exploration of an amazing Sake brewery in Fujinomiya (at the base of Mt. Fuji), and learn interesting facts about sake, the brewing process, food pairing ideas and so much more.

Sake Tastings at Japan Centre Ichiba, Westfield London and Japan Centre Leicester Square

Did you know that Japan Centre has 80-100 different kinds of sakes imported from local suppliers? Try before you buy, at one of the upcoming Sake tastings in celebration of World Sake Day. Japan Centre’s in-house Sake Sommelier Sachiko Koyama will also be on-hand to answer any questions about sake brewing, how it’s made, and the different types and classifications of sake.

Dates:1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, and 10th October | from 12pm-5pm

Written by Claire Coveney

Photography courtesy of Japan Centre