Flavors of Japan: Sake & Food Festival 2024

June 25 & 26, 2024

Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street

The Japan Society is launching its first-ever Sake & Food Festival, offering a comprehensive exploration of the world of Japanese sake and its culinary connection. Held over two evenings, the festival caters to both novice and experienced sake enthusiasts.

Day 1: Sake & Otsumami Night (June 25, 7:00 pm) provides an intimate setting for attendees to delve into the world of sake. Sample a curated selection from over 25 Japanese breweries, each paired with expertly chosen otsumami, small Japanese dishes designed to enhance the sake experience. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover your personal taste preferences in sake, whether you favor light and fruity notes or prefer a more full-bodied and dry flavor profile. Learn the art of sake pairing and explore how different flavors interact with food. ($120 general, $96 members)

Day 2: Sake, Washoku & Beyond (June 26, 6:30 pm) takes a more scholarly approach. Renowned sake expert John Gauntner delivers a lecture on the traditions of sake pairing with washoku, Japan’s traditional cuisine. He will explore both historical customs and modern trends in creating harmonious flavor combinations. Following the lecture, Akiko Katayama, host of the popular JAPAN EATS! podcast, leads a discussion that delves deeper into the world of otsumami and its role in Japanese food culture. The evening concludes with a tasting reception where attendees can put their newfound knowledge to the test, sampling premium sake and otsumami pairings. ($60 general, $48 members)