Kizuna Sake Festival to Introduce Japanese Sake Culture to India

New Delhi, India –The Kizuna Sake Festival 2025, a premium sake tasting and networking event, is set to take place at the Dia Park Hotel in Gurugram. Organized by Kizuna SAKE JAPAN, Kizuna Enterprises USA, Kizuna SAKE Singapore, and Kizuna SAKE India, this event aims to promote Japanese sake culture in India while fostering business ties between Japanese sake producers and Indian importers, restaurateurs, and consumers.

Being organized on March 23 at DIA PARK Premier Hotel, Gurugram, The event is part of a broader initiative to tap into India’s rapidly growing alcohol beverage market, which is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.93%, reaching an estimated $103.37 billion by 2031. The demand for premium alcoholic beverages, including sake, is rising as Indian consumers develop an interest in international flavors and Japanese culture. Entry to event is free.

A Blend of Sake, Business, and Culture: The Nihonshu Food Festival, a core part of the event, will showcase a curated selection of sake brands, pairing them with Japanese cuisine to enhance the tasting experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a corporate tasting session, sake education seminars, and live cultural performances.

Among the highlights:

• Masterclass by Joshua Kalinan, a master sake sommelier and winner of the 2018 “Sake Sommelier of the Year” award.
• Traditional Odissi dance performance by Kaori Naka, a Japanese artist renowned for her expertise in the classical Indian dance form.
• Sake tasting booths featuring top Japanese breweries and distributors.
• Business networking opportunities for importers, distributors, and restaurateurs to explore potential collaborations.

Gateway for Japanese Sake in India: The festival seeks to address the growing interest in Japanese sake in India by providing an authentic tasting experience and business matchmaking platform. The event will also feature B2B interactions, helping Japanese sake makers connect with Indian market players interested in distribution, retail partnerships, and restaurant supply.

Top sake brands and companies participating in the event include Choya Umeshu Co., Ltd., Hida Takayama Distillery, and Funasaka Sake Brewery, along with leading restaurants such as Ginza The Room, Kuuraku India, and Kampai Restaurant.

With an expected turnout of 500 attendees, including industry professionals and sake enthusiasts, the festival is attracting attention from leading media houses including Asian Community News (ACN). Social media influencers, including Joshua Kalinan and representatives from Miss Sake, will also play a role in promoting the event.

A Unique Indo-Japanese Collaboration: The event is spearheaded by Dr. Aditya Kumar Vijay, CEO of Kizuna Management Consultants, and Kento Osonou, founder of Kizuna Community, both of whom have been actively involved in strengthening Indo-Japanese relations through cultural and business initiatives.

With India’s increasing appreciation for global cuisines and premium alcoholic beverages, the Kizuna Sake Festival 2025 is set to pave the way for a new market segment, making Japanese sake more accessible and popular in India.