Initiatives Gathering of Masters
We will be holding the Niigata Sake Master Examination "Gathering of Masters 2026".
We will be holding a networking event for those who have passed the Niigata Sake Master Examination, "Gathering of Masters," as well as the "National KiKishu Championship Niigata Prefecture Representative Selection Tournament," and a tour of the Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute exclusively for "Gold Masters." We encourage you to participate.
Niigata Sake Master Examination "Gathering of Masters 2026"
This is a standing-style event where you can enjoy sake from almost all the breweries in the prefecture while interacting with other sake connoisseurs and brewery workers.
Holding information
| Date and Time | Saturday, September 5, 2020 16:30-18:30 (Reception starts at 16:00) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Hotel Nikko Niigata 4F Toki |
| Entry fee | 8,000 yen per person (tax included), includes a souvenir of Niigata sake. |
| Capacity | First 150 people |
| How to apply |
Application-only form Please apply from. *You will receive an automated email after completing your application with instructions on how to pay the participation fee. Please pay the participation fee through the payment system by the deadline. |
| Application period | Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:00 to Friday, July 31, 2020 |
National KiKishu Championship Niigata Prefecture Representative Selection Tournament
This KiKishu tournament will determine the Niigata Prefecture representative for the National KiKishu Championship. The top two resident participants from Niigata Prefecture will advance to the National KiKishu Championship on November 14th (Saturday) in Ariake, Tokyo.
Holding information
| Date and Time |
Saturday, September 5, 2026, 14:00 onwards (Registration starts at 13:30 / Last registration at 15:30) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Hotel Nikko Niigata 3F Kujaku |
| Capacity | First 80 people |
| Competition method |
Group 1 and Group 2 each have 7 sorting methods. |
| Eligibility Requirements |
Being a master of either gold, silver, or bronze
|
| How to apply |
Same as "Gathering of Masters"Application form Please apply from. |
| Application period | Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:00 to Friday, July 31, 2020 |
Exclusive tour for Gold Experts: Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute
This is a special tour exclusively for "Gold Masters," allowing them to visit the Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute, which is not open to the general public.
*Participation in the KiKishu tournament is also possible after the tour ends.
Holding information
| Date and Time | Saturday, September 5, 2020 13:20 Gathering |
|---|---|
| Capacity | First 10 people |
| Target | Those who have passed the Gold Master exam in 2021 or later (certificate number 000227 or later) and have no experience participating in a tour |
| How to apply |
Same as "Gathering of Masters"Application form Please apply from. |
| Application period | Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:00 to Friday, July 31, 2020 |
Schedule of the day
| 13:20 | Meet at the entrance on the 1st floor of Hotel Nikko Niigata. |
| 13:30 | Move to Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute by taxi |
| 13:45 | Arrived at Niigata Prefectural Sake Research Institute (approximately 60-minute tour guided by the director). |
| 14:45 | Departure from the Brewing Experiment Station |
| 15:00 | Expected arrival time at Hotel Nikko Niigata |
Application-only form
Applications are accepted via the application form below. Applications will be closed once the maximum number of participants is reached.
Points to note
- This event is exclusively for those who have passed the "Niigata Sake Master Examination." We regret to inform you that this event is not open to the general public.
- Applications over the phone are not accepted.
- When registering on the day of the event, you will need to present the [Registration Number] and [Master Certification Certificate] listed in the automated email you received upon registration. Please be sure to bring them with you. If you have lost or forgotten them, please inform the registration staff.
- The "Gathering of Masters" will be held as a standing buffet party. Your table number for the toast will be announced at the reception on the day of the event. If you wish to sit at the same table as your companions, please inform the reception staff. Please note that due to operational reasons, we may not be able to accommodate your request. After the toast, you are free to move around.
- Please note that we cannot issue refunds for cancellations or absences after payment of the participation fee, regardless of the reason.
- Regarding whether the event will be held due to an approaching typhoon or other factors, we will inform all participants via email approximately two days before the event. We will also post updates on our website and social media.
- A large-scale concert is scheduled to be held at Toki Messe on the day of the event. Congestion is expected on surrounding roads and public transportation, so please check access methods carefully in advance and allow plenty of time to get there.