Japan Food Express
More info on the way!
Sake Samurai
The Sake Samurai Association was established in 2004 as a junior council for the Japan Sake Brewers Association to protect sake and Japanese traditions at home and to promote them internationally. It has contributed to the increased popularity of sake and Japanese food overseas in recent years.Since 2006 Sake Samurai has awarded annual ‘Samurai’ titles to individuals for their outstanding contribution to the understanding, appreciation or promotion of sake.Currently there are over 100 sake samurais all over the world. Sake Samurai has also enhanced the international reputation of sake through its association with the International Wine Challenge in London, introducing sake as a category alongside fine wines since 2007.
Sake Samurai official website Japan. https://sakesamurai.jp/.
Sake Samurai UK. https://www.sakesamurai.co.uk/
International Wine Challenge
The International Wine Challenge (IWC) is the world’s most rigorously judged wine competition, hosting its annual awards in London. In partnership with Sake Samurai Association, IWC sake judging was introduced as a key component in 2007 and has since grown to become the biggest sake competition outside Japan. The world-wide publicity these awards generate have made a significant contribution to the awareness of sake internationally
The IWC sake celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and the judging took place in Hiroshima Prefecture. A total of 70 sake experts from 21 countries gathered to assess 1,738 entries—the highest number of entries in the competition’s history. At Drink Japan, IWC and Sake Samurai Jointly showcase 11 finalists of the competition including the champion sake. Literally this selection represents the best of the best sake available on the earth.
Enjoy eleven category winners from this year’s competition:
Futsu-shu Trophy - Daisekkei Josen
Honjozo Trophy - Kisoji Honjozo Kinmonnishiki
Junmai Trophy - Chiebijin Junmaishu
Ginjo Trophy - Keiryu Ginjo
Daiginjo Trophy - Miyanoyuki Daiginjo Yamadanishiki
Junmai Ginjo Trophy - Tenbi Junmai Ginjo Hotaten
Junmai Daiginjo Trophy - Raifuku Junmai Daiginjo Aiyama
Aged Sake Trophy - Keiryu Daikoshu
Koshu Trophy - Born: Awakening of The Angel
Sparkling Trophy - Born: Premium Sparkling
FIS Trophy - Mitaniharu Umeshu Jun
Sapporo
Connecting worlds since 1876, Sapporo is the first beer brand of Japan, paving the way for the nation’s brewing culture.
Inspired by Seibei Nakagawa, the first Japanese brewmaster trained in Germany, it blends Eastern craftsmanship with Western tradition to create a balanced beer that connects cultures worldwide.
World Sake Imports
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Museum of Sake
Museum of Sake specialises in bespoke craft sake and the work of a new generation of ambitious brewers. Through tastings, events, and cultural programming, we expand sake appreciation in London — championing professional education and pairings that reach far beyond Japanese cuisine.
Presenting
- Hakurakusei Junmai Ginjo
- Hakurakusei Junmai Daigingo
- Zankyo Super 7
- Kishinamien Umeshu
- Shichida Junmai 75 Shunyou
- Shichida Junmai 75 Yamadanishiki
- Shichida Junmai Daigingo
- Tenzan Yuzu-shu
AWAIDO
AWAIDO is a Japanese tea brand founded by two sisters living between Japan and the UK.
What began with a simple observation—that an everyday cup of tea in Japan could become a meaningful experience abroad—inspired us to share Japanese tea culture with the world.
Our name comes from the Japanese concept of awai — the meaningful space between people, places, and moments. Through tea, we aim to create connections across cultures while
bringing a sense of calm, presence, and appreciation to everyday life.
Working directly with tea producers, we source carefully selected teas that reflect the character of their origin and the craftsmanship behind them.
Our mission is to communicate the value of Japanese tea, helping connect tea culture and tea-producing communities to future generations.
JFC
The JFC INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE) GROUP is Europe’s leading company in the market for Asian and, in particular, Japanese food.
Restaurant operators, catering companies, hotels, specialist shops, wholesalers, distributors and other retailers in the food and catering industry can rely on JFC for Quality Merchandise and Good Service.
Providing top-quality products is a principle to which all our staff are highly committed. Due to our deep-seated service mindset, JFC quality also extends to our delivery service, customer support and advice.
Kikusui
Founded in 1881, Kikusui Sake Co., Ltd. is a sake brewery in Shibata, Niigata, with over 140 years of history. Its flagship product, Kikusui Funaguchi, was the world's first canned unpasteurized genshu sake. Inspired by the rich natural environment of Northern Echigo, we create enriching lifestyles through the art of fermentation.
Presenting
- Kikusui Funaguchi Nama Genshu
- Perfect Snow Unfiltered Sake
- Kikusui Junmai Ginjo
- Kikusui Kuramitsu Junmai Daiginjo
Hokkaido Fine Foods Ltd
More info on the way!
UMESHUYA LONDON
UMESHUYA LONDON is the only Japanese fruit liqueur specialty store in the UK, operated by HISHINUMA TRADING CO. LTD.
Instead of mass production, we offer carefully crafted Japanese fruit liqueurs, including umeshu (plum wine), made using techniques passed down through generations of artisans. Please try them!
Mizkan
More info on the way!
JR Central
More info on the way!
Okinawa Awamori Distillers Association
Drink Japan is proud to showcase exceptional Awamori and spirits from local Okinawan distilleries. Experience rare bottles, rarely available outside the islands, brought directly from the producers themselves.
AManoto
More info on the way!
Nishi No Seki (Kayashima Sake Brewing)
More info on the way!
Niigata Industrial Creation Organization
Discover the taste of Niigata!
Niigata is one of Japan’s leading rice-producing regions and is renowned for its sake-brewing tradition. For this event, NICO (Niigata Industrial Creation Organization) brings together four producers from across Niigata, showcasing a diverse selection of sake and whisky.
Enjoy tasting the distinctive flavours shaped by Niigata’s rice, pure water, snowy climate, and generations of craftsmanship.