Miss SAKE Candidates Explore Deep Japanese Culture and Sake at 7th Nadeshiko Program

The 7th Nadeshiko Program for 2026 Miss SAKE candidates was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This comprehensive program offered a Japanese dance experience, lectures on sake's role in tourism, and insights into sakeology. Participants gained valuable knowledge, exploring various facets of Japanese culture and the profound world of sake.

Discovering Beauty Through Japanese Dance

Under the guidance of Mitsuya Fujima of the Fujima-ryu Kan'emon-ha, candidates experienced Japanese dance. They learned the fundamentals of posture and movement, with an emphasis on the philosophy behind beauty: "using things gracefully," "valuing objects," and "brightening the atmosphere with greetings." These small daily practices, when accumulated, lead to true elegance. Participants also realized the physical demands of these seemingly fluid movements, requiring significant core strength.

Sakeology and the Vision for Tourism

The program also featured insightful lectures. Toshie Hiraide, CEO of Corpo Sachi Inc., spoke on "Sake as a Pillar for a Tourism Nation," highlighting sake's potential to attract global visitors. Additionally, Dai Hirata from Niigata University's Sakeology Center presented on "The Challenge of Sakeology," discussing its ambition to become a global research and education hub for sake. These sessions provided diverse perspectives on sake's cultural value and its future.