The Japan Luxury Tourism Promotion Organization (headquartered in Tokyo, CEO: Naoyuki Miyayama) has launched the new 'Sake Terroir Grand Prix' as part of the 'Luxury Japan Award 2027' (https://ljtm.org/award/), with entry acceptance beginning on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Application guidelines and entry portal here

Luxury Japan Award is entering its fifth year. To date, it has recognized and promoted high-quality accommodation and dining experiences across Japan through its hotel and restaurant categories. With the newly established 'Sake Terroir Grand Prix,' the organization aims to position sake as a vital regional asset connecting Japanese local culture with luxury tourism, and to promote its value globally.

This award focuses not only on the quality of sake, but also on the concept of 'terroir'—the unique characteristics derived from a region’s natural environment, climate, water, rice, and culture. The goal is to highlight the distinctiveness and value of sake produced by breweries across Japan and share them with audiences worldwide.

In recent years, sake has gained significant recognition in international markets, becoming a key ambassador of Japanese culture alongside washoku and inbound tourism. However, the concept of 'terroir,' widely recognized in the global wine industry, has not yet been fully acknowledged or communicated in the context of sake.

Luxury Japan Award 2027 redefines sake not merely as an alcoholic beverage, but as a 'regional asset' reflecting Japan’s diverse natural landscapes, history, and traditions. It introduces a new evaluation framework to convey this value to the world.

Appointment of Shinya Tajima as Chief Judge

Shinya Tajima, World’s Best Sommelier, Appointed Chief Judge of the Sake Terroir Grand Prix

Shinya Tajima, renowned for winning the World’s Best Sommelier Competition, has been appointed Chief Judge of the Sake Terroir Grand Prix.

Mr. Tajima possesses extensive expertise and an international network in wine, sake, and culinary culture. He has served as a judge and chief judge at numerous domestic and international competitions. Deeply knowledgeable about both the quality of sake and the cultural and environmental context behind it, he will play a central role in evaluating and promoting sake from a global perspective.

To strengthen the credibility and international reach of the award, sake experts from overseas will also be invited as judges. Japanese judges will be selected based on recommendations from Chief Judge Tajima, prioritizing those with professional qualifications such as SAKE DIPLOMA and extensive tasting experience. This ensures a balanced judging panel combining international perspectives with deep domestic expertise.

Call for Entries

[Categories] - Junmai Daiginjo Category - Junmai Category

[Eligibility] Commercially available sake that expresses the unique terroir of its region, including local climate, natural environment, and raw material characteristics.

[Entry Period] July 14, 2026 (Tuesday) to September 15, 2026 (Tuesday)

Application guidelines and entry portal here

Promoting Regional Revitalization and Global Sake Culture

The Luxury Japan Award was established to promote the development and global recognition of Japan’s luxury tourism. In its fifth year, the addition of the Sake Terroir Grand Prix aims to spotlight the terroir, culture, craftsmanship, and regional identity nurtured by sake breweries across Japan. The award seeks to contribute to regional revitalization and the growth of inbound tourism through sake. It is hoped that regionally distinctive sake will become a new point of connection with global enthusiasts and affluent travelers.

About Luxury Japan Award

Luxury Japan Award (https://ljtm.org/award/) was established to promote the development and international recognition of Japan’s luxury tourism. Through expert evaluation by domestic and international specialists, the award selects Japan’s top-tier accommodations, restaurants, and sake brands, and promotes their value globally.

Organizer: Japan Luxury Tourism Promotion Organization

Sponsors: Credit Saison Co., Ltd.

Yushona Co., Ltd.

OfficeREI LLC

Contact

Japan Luxury Tourism Promotion Organization (https://ljtm.org/)

MAIL: [email protected] TEL: 03-3499-9101

Administrative Office: Fujimaru, Kawamura

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