An unmissable opportunity for Australia’s food and beverage professionals is coming to Melbourne this July.

Organised by the Japanese National Tax Agency with support from JAMS.TV, this premium, one-day event brings together industry leaders, buyers, and hospitality professionals for an immersive exploration of Japanese sake and its pairing potential.

A Special Guest: Marie Chiba

At the heart of the event is internationally acclaimed sake expert Marie Chiba—a Sake Sommelier, Sake Samurai, and owner of Tokyo’s trendsetting sake bar EUREKA!.

Many in the industry will recognise Chiba from her time at the iconic GEM by Moto, where she developed a devoted following through her creative and boundary-pushing sake and food pairings. Today, she continues that vision through her own venue, championing sake as one of the most versatile beverages in the world.

Joining her is Simone Maynard, Sake Samurai, who will serve as MC and facilitate the seminar, guiding the session and enriching the seminar experience for the attendees.

Experience “Kounai Choumi” – A New Way to Pair

This event offers a rare opportunity to experience Chiba’s signature concept of “口内調味 (kounai choumi)”, or “in-mouth seasoning,” featuring a curated selection of sake from Exhibitors at the post-seminar Trade Tasting Event.

Guests will explore how flavour can be dynamically built and transformed on the palate through combinations of sake, sashimi and carefully selected elements such as fresh herbs and condiments.

Each sake presents its own spectrum of fruity aromas, flavour profiles, and a unique balance of acidity and sweetness. As these elements interact with the aromas and flavours of the food, participants will experience a harmonious and evolving sensory reaction on the palate—this is the true essence, and surprise, of kounai choumi.

Each pairing will be accompanied by expert commentary, offering practical insights into how sake can be incorporated into menus and beverage programs.

Trade Tasting Event

Following the seminar, guests will take part in a dedicated trade tasting event featuring a wide range of Japanese alcoholic products. Enjoy the opportunity to taste a diverse selection of products while connecting directly with producers and distributors active in the Australian market.

Featured Exhibitors

• ARIMITSU SAKE BREWERY
• Prince Nagaya
• Hayashi Shuzo
• KOSAKA SHUZOJO
• Ootone Sake Brewery
• KAMOTSURU SAKE BREWING
• PACIFIC TRADING
• Pacific International Liquor
• SAKEBOYS / Kuraguchi
• ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS TRADING
• IZUMIYA BEVERAGE DEALER
• Mottox
• Yokota Sake Brewery
• MITSUGEN & Altitude Attitude Beverage

Event Details

Date: Monday, 6 July 2026
Location: RACV City Club, Level 2
　　・“Bayside Rooms” (Seminar)
　　・“Bourke Rooms” (Trade Tasting Event)
Address: 501 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Schedule

• 11:30 AM: Registration Opens
• 12:00 PM: Seminar Starts
• 1:00 PM: Seminar Concludes
• 1:15 PM: Trade Tasting Event Starts
• 3:30 PM: Doors Close

Registration Desk
In front of Bourke Rooms on Level 2

Registration Information

Eligibility: Food and beverage industry professionals only (e.g. restaurants, bars, liquor retailers)
Capacity: Limited to 72 attendees for the seminar
Deadline: 6:00 PM, Wednesday, 24 June
Allocation: First come, first served (confirmation email required)

*Registrations are filling quickly, with only limited places remaining.

Please note:

• Attendance at the Trade Tasting Event (from 1:15 PM) is required to participate in the seminar.
• The menu is fixed (primary sashimi served with herbs and condiments); dietary requirements cannot be accommodated.
• One registration per person—additional attendees must register separately.
• All participants are required to complete a survey after the event to provide feedback for future program planning and to further support the development and promotion of Japanese alcoholic products.

This is a rare chance to gain first-hand insight from one of Japan’s most innovative sake professionals. We encourage all interested trade professionals to register as soon as possible to secure a spot.