Niigata Sake Master Examination2026

Delicious to drink and fun to learn about! A test for sake lovers.

News

What is the Niigata Sake Master Examination?

Make sake more delicious and more fun!

Pure meltwater and high-quality sake rice,
And Niigata sake is nurtured by the skills of artisans.
With a clean taste and high quality,
Loved throughout Japan,
It can truly be called a "treasure of Niigata."

There is more to enjoying sake than just drinking it.
"Why is it delicious?"
"What kind of storehouses are there?"
"Knowing" about sake is also
This is one way to enjoy it.

The Niigata Sake Master Examination is a program to learn about the appeal and
It is a test that allows you to easily gain knowledge.
For those who handle sake at work,
For those who want to enjoy it more as a hobby,
Anyone can take on the challenge.

Learn more about Niigata sake,
Want to have more fun?

Find the Right Treatment for You

  • For those new to sake

    "I don't really understand the difference between dry and sweet..."
    "How do I choose Niigata sake?"

  • Niigata sake
    Those who want to know more

    "I want to visit more sake breweries in Niigata."
    "I want to be able to talk about the ins and outs of sake."

  • Sake for work
    Those involved

    "I want to properly introduce sake in restaurants and retail locations." "I want to recommend Niigata sake to customers with confidence."

Voices of successful candidates

  • My hobby of visiting breweries has become even more fun now. It really makes a difference when you know the sake and drink it!

  • I learned the basics of sake and can now recommend it to customers with confidence.

  • I took the exam as an extension of my hobby. I learned a lot of things I didn't know, and now I love sake even more!

  • Learning about the background of sake, rather than just drinking it, deepened my appreciation for it.

Overview of each level

Gold masterEquivalent to 1st class

The charm of Niigata sake
Communicate everything to the fullest.
Preacher!

Deeply understanding the appeal and background of Niigata sake,
This is the highest level, aimed at those who can confidently talk about its merits.

*Only those who have passed the "Silver Master" exam can take the exam.

Silver MasterEquivalent to 2st class

We can talk about the history and the brewery.
An expert on Niigata sake!

Not only basic knowledge about Niigata sake, but also about the breweries, production methods,
Intermediate level for those who want to understand a wide range of topics, including history.

*Only those who have passed the "Copper Master" exam can take the exam.

Copper MasterEquivalent to 3st class

Drink, learn and enjoy
Niigata sake connoisseur!

I am interested in Niigata sake,
This beginner level is aimed at those who want to start by learning the basics and have fun.

Benefits for successful applicants

Award of certificate

As proof of passing, you will be issued a "Master Examination Certificate."
Additionally, certification badges are available for purchase by those who wish to do so.

Master Badge

To the "Gathering of Masters"
Participation rights

This is a buffet-style event where successful applicants can interact with each other and the brewers. In addition to being able to freely enjoy sake from almost all the breweries in the prefecture, there is also a stage event with a different content every year and souvenirs included.

National KiKishu Championship
Niigata Prefectural Tournament Participation Qualification

Held on the same day as the "Gathering of Masters"
You can participate in the National KiKishu Championship Niigata Prefecture Tournament.

further… FriLimited to experts

further… FriLimited to experts

"Gathering of Masters" held on the same day
Right to participate in the "Gold Master Exclusive Brewery Testing Facility Tour"

This is a special tour only available to gold experts, where you can visit testing sites that are not open to the general public.

There are also other fun benefits for Gold Masters (contents subject to change)
Example) Niigata Sake no Jin 2025 "Gold Master Advance Ticket Sales" / Niigata Sake no Jin 2025 Brewery Booth Assistance

Implementation guidelines

The exam will be conducted online.

Exam qualification There are no restrictions on educational background, gender, nationality, etc. as long as you are 20 years of age or older on the day of the test. However, you must be able to take the test in Japanese, use a computer or tablet, and be able to take the test at the designated time.
* You cannot take the test on your smartphone.
*You cannot retake an exam for a level you have already passed.
Exam application period October 14th (Tuesday) - December 15th (Monday), 2025
Test date and time Saturday, January 17, 2026, 13:00-18:00, any time convenient for you
test time 60 minutes
Number of questions 100 questions (See example here）
Questioning method Multiple choice (4 options)
Questions range 100% of the questions will be given from the official textbook.
Questions will be given from various genres such as "manufacturing method", "classification", "quality control", "delicious drinking" and other basic knowledge of sake, and Niigata sake's "history", "rice", "water" and "skills".
passing grade Each question is worth 1 point, with a total of 100 points, and a score of 70 or above is required to pass.
Exam fee 3,300 yen (tax included)
Those aged 20 to 29 on the day of the test: 1,650 yen (tax included)

The exam will be conducted online.

Exam qualification Successful candidates for the "Copper Master" exam
This is limited to those who can take the exam on a computer or tablet at the specified time.
* You cannot take the test on your smartphone.
*You cannot retake an exam for a level you have already passed.
Exam application period October 14, 2025 (Tuesday) - December 15, 2025 (Monday)
Test date and time Saturday, January 17, 2026, 13:00-18:00, any time convenient for you
test time 45 minutes
Number of questions 50 questions (See example here）
Questioning method Multiple choice (4 options)
Questions range Somewhat advanced questions about Niigata sake will be asked from various genres.
Most of them are published in the official textbook, but there are some questions from outside the textbook.
passing grade Each question is worth 1 point, with a total of 100 points, and a score of 80 or above is required to pass.
Exam fee 3,300 yen (tax included)

Exam qualification Successful candidate for the Niigata Sake Master Examination "Silver Master"
(However, those who can take the exam at the examination venue designated by the certification association)
Exam application period Monday, August 4, 2020 10:00 to Monday, September 1, 2020
Test date and time [Essay submission] Deadline: Monday, September 1, 2025 (postmark on the day is valid)
[Practical Exam] Monday, October 13, 2025 (National Holiday)
Reception begins at 9:30 (reception times will be announced separately)
Practical exam venue Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center
6-1 Bandaijima, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, 950-0078
Bus: From JR Niigata Station, take the bus bound for Sado Kisen and get off at "Toki Messe" bus stop, then walk for 1 minute
Taxi: Approximately 10 minutes from JR Niigata Station
*There will be a KiKishu on the day of the practical exam. Driving a car, motorbike, bicycle, etc. to the venue is strictly prohibited.
contents of the test ■Essay (60 points)
Theme: "If you were the manager (or sales representative) of a sake brewery, what would you do to sell more Niigata sake?"
Please write in Japanese between 800 and 1,200 characters (up to three pages of the specified manuscript paper).
Please write your name outside the box, and there is no need to write the topic. Please strictly adhere to the specified character limit. Please note that points will be deducted if the character limit is exceeded.
Please refrain from posting any content that could identify individuals.
If possible, please submit the application to the secretariat below as an email attachment (mailing is also acceptable).
*If you submit by email, we will send you a confirmation email to let you know that it has been received.
[Submit to] Niigata Sake Master Examination Association Secretariat
The designated manuscript paper isCLICK HEREYou can download from.

Deadline: September 1st (Mon) - postmark valid on that day

■ Practical exam (40 points)
KiKishu (10-point matching method) You will be asked to identify 10 Niigata sakes (commercially available sakes) using KiKishu.
This is a matching method in which you first match 10 points, then match the rearranged 10 points.
Details will be announced separately.
Announcement of Successful Applicants Friday, November 21, 7, 11:13 PM. Successful candidates' numbers will be announced on the Niigata Sake Master Examination Association website.
*The passing criteria are not disclosed, but those who achieve a passing score based on a comprehensive evaluation of the essay and practical exam will be certified as a "Gold Master."
*We cannot answer any inquiries regarding results, scores, or answers over the phone.
Exam fee 6,000 yen (tax included)

How to apply and take the exam

Silver-copperFor experts (online format)

  1. Test environment operation check

    You can experience the Web test system before applying for the test.
    Please access the "Qualification Reception ONLINE" below on the device (PC, tablet) you plan to use to take the exam, and try the "Exam Trial" to confirm in advance that the system is working properly.

    Qualification reception ONLINE

    *You can log in to "Qualification Reception ONLINE" by registering for free. After accessing (logging in to) "Qualification Reception ONLINE", you can take the "Exam Trial" from the "How to Take the Web Test" menu on the top page.
    For further information, please read CLICK HERE.

  2. Apply for the exam

    After logging in to the qualification reception online from the "Apply" below, enter the required items to apply, and follow the instructions on the displayed screen to proceed with the procedure.

    * New user registration is required only when using the qualification reception ONLINE for the first time.
    *Only those aged 20 or over can take the exam.
    *Those aged 20 to 29 on the test day can take the test for a special test fee of 1,650 yen (tax included).
    On the exam application screen, please select "Copper Master - 20-29 years old on the exam date" and proceed with the application.
    *You cannot retake an exam for a level you have already passed.

    Application destination

  3. Payment

    Your application will be complete once you have paid the test fee (by credit card or convenience store).

    * Please note that you cannot cancel the test fee after payment, transfer the test fee to the next time, or refund it.

  4. Guidance of information necessary for the examination

    You will receive an examination guidance email one week before the test date, so please be sure to check the test available time, test procedure, etc. in the email.

    * If you do not receive the test guide email within one week before the test date, please contact the secretariat.

  5. Examination

    Please take the test at a time that is convenient for you during the available hours on the day of the test.

    *After answering the test, you will be redirected to the questionnaire screen.We appreciate your cooperation.

  6. Result notification

    The test results will be sent by email around 1:00 PM on the day of the results announcement. Please check the pass number on the Master Examination website. Successful candidates will be sent a certificate at a later date.

FriFor experts

  1. Register

    Please fill in the necessary information on the dedicated application form.

  2. Examination fee payment

    After applying, please transfer the examination fee to the dedicated account provided in the automatic email.

  3. Essay submission

    Please submit your essay to the Niigata Sake Certification Office by the specified deadline.

  4. Examination ticket information

    You will receive your practical exam admission ticket two weeks before the exam. (You will be notified of the reception time individually.)

  5. Practical exam

    Please arrive at the venue by the designated reception time on the day.

  6. Result notification

    The successful candidates' numbers will be announced on the Niigata Sake Master Examination Association website.
    After the results are announced, you will receive a Gold Master Certificate and a commemorative gift (golden sake cup).

example

We have prepared sample questions for the exam. Please feel free to download and take a look.

Official textbook

Niigata Sake Master Examination Official Textbook

Full of secrets of the deliciousness of Niigata sake!

This is the official textbook supervised by the Niigata Sake Master Examination Association.

An easy-to-understand explanation of the four elements of rice, brewing environment, technique, and water that support the deliciousness of Niigata sake and the manufacturing process with abundant photographs and figures.The color page at the beginning introduces 89 brewery affiliated breweries in the prefecture along with representative brand labels.It covers sake brewing culture and delicious drinking methods, and the latest data is posted in the material edition.The definitive textbook of Niigata Sake to read, drink and study.

Now on sale at Amazon.com
Book title [Revised 2nd Edition] Niigata Sake Monoshiri Book
"Niigata Sake Master Examination Official Textbook"
Supervision Niigata Sake Master Examination Association
Publisher Niigata Daily Media Net
Publication date 2018/10/31
List price 1,600yen (tax exception)
Number of pages / format 174 pages, A5 size
ISBN code 978-4-86132-696-7
Niigata Sake Master Examination Official Textbook

Inquiries about the official textbook

In charge of Niigata Daily Media Net Publishing Department
3-1-1 Ryutsu, Nishi-ku, Niigata City, 950-1125

TEL:025-383-8020/
FAX: 025-383-8028

Email:

Introduction of "English Textbook"

Book title The Niigata Sake Book
Supervision Niigata Sake Master Examination Association
Publisher Japan Times
Publication date 2007/12
List price 2,000yen (tax exception)
Number of pages / format 127 pages, A5 size (normal)
ISBN code 978-4-789-1353-6
English textbook

Niigata Sake Master Examination
Official LINE has been opened

We will send you event information and the latest news for those who have passed the exam via LINE.
From now on, we will be posting information mainly through LINE, so please add us as a friend.
*We do not accept inquiries via LINE.

Add Friends

Contact

Niigata Sake Master Examination Association Secretariat

951-8116
292-2 Higashinakadori 2 Bancho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City
(within the Niigata Sake Brewers Association)

TEL. 025-229-1218

(10:00-17:00, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and year-end and New Year holidays)

Sponsorship

Niigata Sake Master Examination Association

  • Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association
  • Niigata Ryokan Hotel Association
  • Niigata Prefecture Cooking Life Hygiene Association
  • Niigata Prefecture Social Food and Beverage Life Sanitation Association
  • Niigata Noodle Shops Association
  • Niigata sushi quotient life hygiene trade association
  • Niigata Prefecture Retail Sake Association
  • Niigata Wholesale Sake Sales Association
  • Niigata Sake Brewers Association