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Koji Uenoyama

This course is for anyone who wants to broaden his or her horizon through being knowledgeable about Japanese sake. This can be a comprehensive first lesson for sake novices and also a good material for refreshing knowledge of intermediates. As finishing this course, you will have comprehensive understandings on sake and be able to enjoy Japan's classic and unique drinking culture without hesitation. You'll be able to talk about sake to friends, choose, taste, and serve sake right, and ask for exactly what you want at a restaurant or bottle shop.

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This course is for anyone who wants to broaden his or her horizon through being knowledgeable about Japanese sake. This can be a comprehensive first lesson for sake novices and also a good material for refreshing knowledge of intermediates. As finishing this course, you will have comprehensive understandings on sake and be able to enjoy Japan's classic and unique drinking culture without hesitation. You'll be able to talk about sake to friends, choose, taste, and serve sake right, and ask for exactly what you want at a restaurant or bottle shop.

Japanese sake is drawing great attentions internationally. UNESCO designated Japanese cuisine as world intangible cultural asset in 2013 and the awareness of Japanese foods and also sake is rising. Many wine professionals are now involved in sake and sake competitions have been taken place worldwide. It is certain that sake will or has already been one of the major drink options all over the world. Sake is like a new international language, when you speak it, it will definitely helps you have better social communication.

[Instructor]Koji Uenoyama:  A sake certified sake expert (Kikisakeshi, Sake Sommelier 2012 by SSI) and has been active in sake industry especially as a bridge between sake in Japan and international world of sake.

Sake School Osaka (2013-)Founder. Sake tasting and learning session for international visitors to Japan

Hana Sake Bar (2017-)Management. An international sake bar in Osaka. Appeared in New York Times.

Sake World Cup (2018-)Founder and main organizer. A tasting event of "sake made"

Sake Brewery (2018-2019)Former employee of Daimon Brewery. Joined their reborn project as a new project leader. Engaged in launching new products, sales and marketing, managing the brewery restaurant

Arkansas Sake Project (2019-)Translator, advisor to a sake project in Arkansas USA.

A member of "Walk in US, Talk on Japan ( Chosen as a international sake expert.

Osaka-Kansai Osaka won and the event will take place in 2025.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • History and culture of sake
  • Ingredients and how to make sake
  • Sake special designations
  • Types of sake
  • Sake tasting and food pairing
  • Serving sake and warming sake
  • How to store sake
  • Present sake industry and future of sake

Syllabus

Sake will no longer be just your option for drinks, you'll be able to tell your friends what basically sake is.

Introduction to this section. Japanese sake is not only a drink for Japanese, it will be or already is an option for all the people in the world!

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Overviews and basic information of sake. You'll have broad ideas of what sake is. In Japan, another term is often used for "sake."

Sake is not just a drink. It has always been with the Japanese history, tradition, and culture. Sake has been deeply connected with religious matters historically and still is a big part of the Japan's society.

Where in Japan is sake produced?  Where are major sake making regions and areas?

An introduction to the two major groups of alcoholic beverage, fermented alcohol and distilled alcohol. You'll learn the main differences of them. Some people might have an image of "strong alcoholic drink" over sake, but actually sake is a relatively soft and mild drink.

There are three Japanese traditional drinks. Their appearance is similar especially when it's bottled, but of course, there are differences in between. As finishing this lecture, you'll be able to differentiate them.

Find the correct answer!

You'll understand the process of sake making and the importance of each ingredient.

You will understand clearly the process of sake making, also ingredients and their roles.

The main ingredient of sake. Rice is the staple food for Japanese people and all rice grown in Japan is short-grain. There are many kinds of "sake rice" which is only to make sake.

80% of sake is water. Water itself is different from region to region. All breweries have their own water resource and it is one of the key elements for sake's characteristic. Water in Japan is relatively soft, which is suitable for sake making.

Koji is a magical mold which converts starch of rice into glucose. (sugar) Alcohol cannot be produced without sugar.

Yeast makes alcohol and carbon dioxide from sugar. There are many yeasts for making sake in Japan.

This is very important because it affects the flavor, quality, and also price of the sake. You'll understand the components of rice, and the meaning of rice polishing.

A deeper insight of rice polishing after understanding the basic meaning of rice polishing. Higher polishing (smaller rice grain) means more premium and people often take it as "good", but tasty or not tasty should be totally subjective.

Sake is made with nature. Lots of microorganisms and enzymes are involved with sake making. It takes sometimes nearly two months to complete.

Sake is not transparent when it's made. Carbon-filtration has something to do with the transparent color. It darkens as storage condition is not good and also aging.

Choose the correct one!

You will understand the system of sake special designation and characteristics and flavor tendencies of each designation. You'll be able to choose a right sake depending on your preference.

Introduction of Section 3.  It is important to understand the sake special designation system because it affects sake's characteristics, flavor, and also price.

You'll understand the differences of each designation. There are eight designations or classifications, Tokutei-meisho-shu. Designation can tell brief flavor tendencies, but cannot tell flavor of the sake because ingredients, brewing techniques or methods, knowledge of brewers, facility conditions, climate, and everything affect the flavor, and designation is just one of the elements.

You'll understand the requirements and typical characteristics of each designation. This influence sake's price and image whether it's premium or not etc., but please note that they are all essentially subjective and you are the one who decides what you like in the end.

The differences of premium sake (sake with special designation or Tokutei-meisho-shu) and table sake (Futsu-shu) and their market share.

Important terms to know sake types. The designations and these words will make your vision of sake wider.

Additional sake terms which even boost your sake level. You'll have broader images for types of sake.

You'll be able to serve sake properly having knowledge of sake vessels, serving temperatures, and sake manners.

Introduction to Section 4.  Sake Vessels, Sake Temperatures, How to warm sake, and Sake Manners.

Knowing the names of sake cups, containers in Japanese, and proper ways to use them. Changing temperature is a unique and very enjoyable part of sake, and understanding the principle of this is important.  How to warm sake properly without using a special devise, and sake manners.

You'll understand the recommended temperature to enjoy sake depending on its type and characteristics, also serving size.

A deeper part of sake temperatures. Knowing the names for serving temperatures, and also typical effects occurred by changing temperatures.  You don't have to remember all the temperature names. Understanding the idea is more important in this lecture.

Learning two different ways to warm sake. Names of warming tools.

Imagine you are in a Japanese style drinking party. Keeping the manners in mind may help you, though, it does't matter when everyone is drunk.

Understanding the proper way to check sake, how dryness, sweetness, acidity, and Umami mutually affect. Principles of food pairing.
Introduction to Section 5

Points to check when tasting and evaluating sake. This will make your tasting note very clear. Try lots of sake and find your favorite type.

Understanding SMV or Sake Meter Value which measures the density of sake compared to water. You'll learn the roles of dryness, sweetness, and acidity of sake. SMV is an indicator, but cannot tell the whole thing because other elements especially acidity also affect how you feel.

Umami is one of the five basic tastes. Sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, and Umami. Sake is abundant in umami as well as other fermented ingredients and foods. Japan is a country with a full of umami taste. Umami enhances the flavor of food and drink. Umami itself is a taste, but what’s remarkable is that it brings out the flavor of other ingredients.

Matching with Food

Understanding the principle of sake food pairing with typical examples.

Storing Sake

Learn how to store sake properly. It never becomes undrinkable, but knowing the basics will help your sake last longer without damaging its flavors.

Knowing the general idea of shelf life of sake and unpleasant flavor changes. Understanding the best way to store in order to keep its original characteristics.

Understanding the effect of ultraviolet rays to sake and the best way and temperature to store in order to keep its original characteristics.

Future of Sake

Understanding the dynamics of domestic and international sake market. Catching up with the recent movements in the world of sake.

Understanding the dynamics of the domestic sake market.

Understanding the dynamics of the international sake market.

Finding out the latest international movements in the world of sake. People today not only enjoy sake but also make sake outside Japan. Sake is definitely becoming an international interest.

Thank you very much! This is the final message from me to appreciate your enrollment.  No Sake No Life! Kanpai!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive introduction to sake, covering its history, production, and cultural significance, which is ideal for those new to the subject
Positions sake knowledge as a means of enhancing social communication, suggesting relevance beyond mere appreciation of alcoholic beverages
Offers material for refreshing knowledge of sake, which may be useful for intermediate learners seeking to reinforce their understanding
Explores sake tasting and food pairing, which will help learners develop a more nuanced appreciation for sake and its culinary applications
Examines the dynamics of both domestic and international sake markets, which is useful for those interested in the global spread of sake culture
Details the sake-making process, including the ingredients and their roles, which is helpful for learners seeking a deeper understanding of sake production

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Japanese Sake -All You Need to Enjoy the World of Sake- with these activities:
Review Japanese Geography and Regions
Familiarize yourself with the geography of Japan to better understand sake production regions.
Browse courses on Japan
Show steps
  • Study a map of Japan, noting major regions and prefectures.
  • Research the climate and geography of key sake-producing regions.
  • Identify major cities and landmarks in sake regions.
Read 'Sake: A Modern Guide'
Gain a deeper understanding of sake production and tasting through a comprehensive guide.
View Sake: A Modern Guide on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts and terminology.
  • Focus on chapters related to sake production, tasting, and regional variations.
  • Compare the information in the book with the course materials.
Sake Tasting Practice
Refine your sake tasting skills by practicing identifying different flavor profiles and characteristics.
Show steps
  • Purchase a variety of sake types (e.g., Ginjo, Junmai, Daiginjo).
  • Taste each sake, noting its aroma, flavor, and texture.
  • Compare your tasting notes with the sake's description.
  • Identify the key characteristics of each sake type.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Answer Questions in Online Sake Forums
Reinforce your understanding of sake by helping others learn and answering their questions.
Show steps
  • Find online forums or communities dedicated to sake.
  • Read and answer questions from other members.
  • Share your knowledge and insights on sake production, tasting, and culture.
Sake Food Pairing Guide
Solidify your understanding of sake and food pairing by creating a guide with specific examples.
Show steps
  • Research sake and food pairing principles.
  • Select several sake types and corresponding food pairings.
  • Create a visually appealing guide with descriptions and images.
  • Share your guide with others and gather feedback.
Explore 'The Japanese Sake Bible'
Deepen your understanding of sake's cultural significance through a comprehensive exploration.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the cultural and historical context of sake.
  • Take notes on key traditions and rituals related to sake consumption.
  • Reflect on how cultural factors influence sake production and appreciation.
Create a Sake Brewery Business Plan
Apply your knowledge of sake production and the industry by developing a comprehensive business plan.
Show steps
  • Research the sake industry and market trends.
  • Develop a business plan outlining your brewery's mission, products, and marketing strategy.
  • Create a financial plan, including startup costs and revenue projections.
  • Present your business plan to potential investors or mentors.

Career center

Learners who complete Japanese Sake -All You Need to Enjoy the World of Sake- will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sommelier
A sommelier possesses an in-depth understanding of alcoholic beverages, and this course would be highly beneficial for a sommelier, particularly one who wishes to specialize or broaden their expertise in sake. A sommelier's role involves curating beverage lists, advising customers on pairings, and ensuring proper service, all of which require detailed product knowledge. This course provides comprehensive knowledge of sake, from its history and brewing process to tasting notes and serving traditions. For those looking to become a sommelier, these skills help build the foundation for success in this field.
Brewery Tour Guide
A brewery tour guide leads visitors through a brewery, explaining the brewing process and the history of the brewery and its products. This course will be very helpful for a brewery tour guide who works at a sake brewery. A brewery tour guide needs a comprehensive understanding of the brewing process, including the ingredients and equipment used. This course provides an overview of sake production, its cultural context, and serving styles, which will help a brewery tour guide give more engaging and informed tours. This detailed knowledge will be beneficial for a brewery tour guide.
Beverage Director
A beverage director oversees all aspects of a restaurant or bar's beverage program, including selection, procurement, and staff training. This course would be invaluable for a beverage director seeking to incorporate Japanese sake into their offerings, or to enhance their existing knowledge base of sake. A beverage director must have a nuanced understanding of various drinks, including how they are made, what they pair well with, and how to serve them correctly. The course offers insights into the history, production, tasting, and serving of sake, providing the skills necessary to make informed decisions about sake selection and presentation. A beverage director will benefit from this thorough training.
Brand Ambassador
A brand ambassador represents a company and its products, often at events and tastings. The detailed curriculum of this course would be especially helpful for a brand ambassador for a sake company. A brand ambassador must have a thorough understanding of the product, and should be able to speak confidently about the product and its characteristics. This course on Japanese sake provides comprehensive knowledge of the beverage, offering a brand ambassador insights into sake's history, the brewing process, product tasting, and serving styles. This will help a brand ambassador represent a sake brand and promote its unique qualities.
Food and Beverage Consultant
A food and beverage consultant provides expert advice to restaurants, bars, and other hospitality businesses on menu development, operations, and overall strategy. This course helps build a foundation that would be advantageous for a food and beverage consultant who wishes to specialize in sake or advise clients who incorporate Japanese cuisine and drinks. A food and beverage consultant requires a deep understanding not just of food, but of all types of beverages. This course gives a comprehensive overview of sake's history, production, tasting, and service, providing the knowledge needed to make informed recommendations for clients that feature or specialize in Japanese cuisine.
Beverage Sales Representative
A beverage sales representative is responsible for promoting and selling alcoholic beverages to restaurants, bars, and retailers. This course would greatly benefit a beverage sales representative who handles or intends to handle sake. A beverage sales representative must be able to knowledgeably discuss the products, their origin and special characteristics. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Japanese sake, including its history, production, and tasting notes, offering a beverage sales representative the information to effectively market and sell sake. The lessons on tasting and serving would also help the sales representative present the product.
Restaurant Manager
Restaurant managers are responsible for the daily operations of a dining establishment, including ensuring that staff are well-trained for the service of all menu items, including beverages such as sake. A comprehensive understanding of Japanese sake is highly beneficial for a restaurant manager, especially if their establishment offers sake as part of the menu. This course provides a broad understanding of sake, from its production and different types to serving and tasting. It is a strong foundation to empower a restaurant manager to understand and oversee the proper handling and presentation of sake in a restaurant environment. This may be a crucial asset for a restaurant manager.
Bartender
A bartender is tasked with crafting and serving drinks, and understanding various alcoholic beverages is essential. This course would be beneficial for a bartender looking to expand their knowledge of sake and add Japanese cocktails to their repertoire. The skills gained from this course could help a bartender confidently recommend and serve sake. A bartender will learn the subtleties of sake production, tasting, and proper service, enhancing their ability to craft unique drinks and engage customers. Any bartender who intends to serve sake will gain from this training.
Restaurant Owner
A restaurant owner is responsible for the overall management and success of their restaurant. This course would be highly beneficial for a restaurant owner, especially one with a Japanese restaurant or who is planning to add sake to their menu. A restaurant owner must understand the products their restaurant offers, and this provides a comprehensive overview of sake, from its history and brewing to tasting and serving. Such a comprehensive resource would be useful for a restaurant owner.
Import Specialist
An import specialist manages the process of bringing products from foreign countries into their home country. This course would be helpful for an import specialist who is involved in the importation of Japanese sake. An import specialist must have a detailed understanding of the product they are bringing into the country, and this course provides insights into the history, production, and cultural significance of sake. This course may give an import specialist an edge when dealing with sake, especially with the lessons on the domestic and international sake markets.
Food Writer
Food writers often specialize in a category of food or drink, such as Japanese sake. This course will be helpful for a food writer interested in writing about sake or Japanese cuisine more generally. A food writer needs to have an in-depth understanding of their subject, and this course provides a comprehensive education on sake, from history to production to tasting and service. This detailed knowledge would enable a food writer to accurately capture the nuances of sake and Japanese culinary culture. This course may augment a food writer's expertise.
Culinary Educator
A culinary educator instructs students in the art and science of cooking and food preparation. This course would be useful for a culinary educator who teaches Japanese cuisine or is interested in incorporating sake into their lessons. A culinary educator will find the course beneficial for its detailed look at sake, including its history, brewing process, and tasting techniques. In a culinary educator's curriculum, sake can be an important element to understand. This may be an important element for those teaching Japanese cuisine.
Hospitality Trainer
A hospitality trainer develops and delivers training programs for employees in restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses. This course may be helpful for a hospitality trainer who is responsible for training staff on the proper handling, service, and promotion of sake. A hospitality trainer must have an understanding of the products their trainees are learning about, and this course provides an in-depth look at sake, from its history and production to tasting notes and serving traditions. A hospitality trainer could use the resources of the course to develop training materials.
Mixologist
A mixologist is a skilled bartender who specializes in creating innovative and complex cocktails. This course may be helpful for a mixologist who is interested in incorporating sake into their cocktail creations, expanding their repertoire with a unique ingredient. A mixologist should be knowledgeable about different types of alcoholic beverages, and this course provides a comprehensive education on sake, its production, tasting, and service. This deep knowledge will help a mixologist create new drinks that highlight the unique character of sake.
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies consumer behavior and market trends to advise companies on product development and marketing. This course may be helpful for a market research analyst who focuses on the alcoholic beverage industry, or who is particularly interested in the Japanese sake market. A market research analyst needs a detailed understanding of the products they are studying, and this course provides an overview of sake, its production, and its domestic and international markets. This may provide the market research analyst with the background information to analyze the trends in sake consumption.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Japanese Sake -All You Need to Enjoy the World of Sake-.
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Provides a comprehensive overview of sake, covering its history, production methods, and tasting notes. It valuable resource for understanding the nuances of sake and appreciating its diverse flavors. The book is commonly used by sake professionals and enthusiasts alike. It adds depth to the course by providing detailed information on sake styles and regional variations.
Delves into the cultural and historical aspects of sake, providing a rich context for understanding its significance in Japanese society. It is more valuable as additional reading to broaden your knowledge of sake's cultural roots. The book explores the traditions and rituals surrounding sake consumption. It adds breadth to the course by providing a deeper understanding of sake's cultural heritage.

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