KUCHING: The inaugural Sake Masterclass by Goodness Sake Sdn Bhd will be held here next month.
Goodness Sake, which is Sarawak’s foremost sake distribution company, is on a mission to elevate the sake experience for enthusiasts in Malaysia.
With steadfast dedication to delivering the finest Japanese sake brands, the company emerges as the trusted partner for those seeking authentic and premium sake.
“On Oct 3 this year, we are proud to announce that the inaugural Sake Masterclass will be held in Kuching, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Riverside Majestic Hotel Astana Wing.
Shuzo Nishimura
“This exclusive event will feature two distinguished sake experts, Naomi Obata from the renowned sake brewery Tatenokawa and Shuzo Nishimura from the esteemed Kamotsuru brewery.
“Attendees will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of sake through tastings and in-depth discussions led by these industry luminaries,” it said.
Touching on the history of Tatenokawa, it has a 100-year vision of ‘working tirelessly to make delicious sake and become the world’s leading sake brand.’
Tatenokawa’s story is one of dedication, passion, and an unyielding pursuit of perfection.
The Sake Masterclass poster.
With a vision that encapsulates the spirit of “Made in Japan,” the brand has taken upon itself the mission to share the excellence of Japanese Sake both locally and on the international stage.
The vision, which was born in 2010, has propelled Tatenokawa to reach new heights in the world of Sake.
“Naomi Obata is a Certified International Kikizakeshi (Sake Sommelier/Expert) and a Sales Representative at Tatenokawa sake brewery, Yamagata prefecture, Japan. She studied International Trade in Canada and got her start in the sake industry by working at a Japanese sake brewery in Vancouver.
“Naomi’s main goals are to give people great sake experiences and teach them how to appreciate sake, all with a focus on Tatenokawa,” it said.
Kamotsuru is a symbol of tradition and excellence. Through history, Kamotsuru is a name that carries profound meaning in the world of sake.
It draws its inspiration from the area’s name, Kamo, which signifies the creation of sake, and the name “Tsuru” means the noble crane, adding an element of reliability and elegance to the brand’s identity.
“Kamotsuru was founded by Wahei Kimura in 1873. In 1921, a pivotal year in Kamotsuru’s history, when at the National Sake and Shochu competition, Kamotsuru achieved a remarkable feat by dominating not one but the First, Second, and Third places.
“This achievement cemented Kamotsuru’s reputation for excellence and greatness. It is also worth noting that Kamotsuru’s yeast was recognized for its exceptional quality and subsequently distributed to breweries across Japan, earning the esteemed title of the 5th Association (Kyokai) Yeast,” it said.
Similar to Naomi, Shuzo Nishimura has established a notable career in the field of Japanese sake, demonstrating expertise and dedication in various capacities.
His professional background includes the SI (Sake Service Institute) Sake Sommelier License, underscoring profound knowledge of sake, and the SSI Sake Instructor License, indicating his capability to educate and guide others in the intricate world of Japanese sake.
“Shuzo is currently occupying a crucial position with dual responsibilities, managing domestic sales in the Kansai district and Hiroshima area, emphasising their regional focus within Japan, and overseeing overseas sales operations in 10 countries, with a primary focus on key markets such as Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and Oceania,” it added.
