26 September 2025: Tasting of Japanese spirits awarded at the Kura Master competition

   
　
　On September 26, Ambassador Kano hosted at his Residence a tasting of Japanese spirits, such as sake, shochu, awamori, umeshu (plum liqueur), and Japanese wines, awarded at the 9th Kura Master competition. Many guests, including representatives from the UNESCO Secretariat and Permanent Delegates to UNESCO, attended the event. The Kura Master Association, organizer of the competition, and the winning producers of this year's competition also participated in the event, which gave rise to lively exchanges among the participants.
 
　In his speech, Ambassador Kano expressed his respect for the efforts of producers, noting that Japanese traditional alcohol brewing was registered last year as an element of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and that the reputation of Japanese sake worldwide is increasing.

Speech by Ambassador Kano (PDF)