Delhi to host Miss Sake India 2025 Pageant to Celebrate UNESCO Recognition of Sake Craft

New Delhi, India—A celebration of cultural heritage and international friendship is set to unfold in the heart of the Indian capital. Miss Sake India 2025 will be held on April 17 at the Japan Foundation, Green Park. Organized by SUB HIROHAMA CORPORATION, the event will mark a vibrant tribute to the art of Japanese sake and the deepening cultural ties between Japan and India.

This year’s pageant holds particular significance following a major milestone in December 2024, when UNESCO officially inscribed the traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making using koji mold on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Last year, Ms. Kajal Chauhan, a Doon University graduate, and Japanese language expert (JLPT Level N2) had won the Miss SAKE India 2024 title. She was crowned by Miss Sake Japan Ms. Kotoko Yamada during a glittering pageant in Mumbai.

The time-honored techniques, nurtured by toji (chief sake brewers) and kurabito (brewery workers), have been passed down through generations and adapted to diverse regional climates across Japan. At the heart of this craft is koji mold, a vital fermentation agent that plays an indispensable role in developing sake’s signature flavor.

In recognition of this global honor, Miss Sake India 2025 will aim to select an Indian ambassador who will represent and promote the elegance of Japanese sake and the cultural values it carries. The event will begin with formal greetings by Kojiro Honda. Shortly thereafter, Ono Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, will share his remarks, underscoring the growing bond between the two nations.

Guests will be introduced to the event’s jury members and sponsors, setting the tone for a special segment presented by Ms. Mika Eoka and the visiting Miss Sake Japan, Ms. Kotoko Yamada. Together, they will provide an insightful overview of the Miss Sake Pageant and the unique legacy of sake brewing, deepening the audience’s understanding of its cultural relevance.

On April 17, the Miss Sake India 2025 finalists will take the stage to compete for the coveted title. Their presentations will blend grace, cultural awareness, and a strong appreciation for Japanese traditions.

Following the contest, a social gathering featuring lunch and sake will occur. This informal platform will allow guests to engage in conversations and enjoy the cross-cultural spirit of the occasion. The event will conclude with the winner’s announcement and the award ceremony.

Adding to the festivities, the Embassy of Japan in India will host a special Sake Dinner on April 16, the evening before the pageant. Designed to further promote traditional sake-making, the event will introduce guests to the art of pairing Japanese sake with Indian cuisine, creating a fusion of flavours that reflects both innovation and tradition. This exclusive evening will welcome dignitaries from the Government of India, prominent figures from the hospitality sector, culinary influencers, and media professionals.

The evening will open with remarks by the Ambassador of Japan, followed by a lecture on sake by Ms. Kotoko Yamada. Guests will then be treated to a curated pairing experience highlighting the harmony between Indian spices and the subtle complexities of Japanese sake. A standing reception and networking session will round out the evening, encouraging conversation and collaboration among participants.