Now, we announce！Japan sake and shochu academy 2026 Kagoshima

JAPAN SAKE AND SHOCHU MAKERS ASSOCIATION

Japan Sake & Shochu Academy2026
Advanced Shochu Course
Date: 24th August – 28th August　Place: Kagoshima

This is an official educational course organized by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association with the support of National Tax Agency, National Research Institute of Brewing and Brewing Society of Japan in Japan. This course is designed to provide the advanced correct knowledge of Japanese traditional alcohol drinks "Sake" and "Shochu" which - we call "國酒 (Kokushu) “

JAPAN SAKE AND SHOCHU MAKERS ASSOCIATION
1-6-15, Njishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0003
Tel　+81 3 3501 0101
URL　www.japansake.or.jp

[1] About JSSA2026 Advanced Shochu Course

Courses

1Basic
■Lectures on history, culture and production processes
2Tasting
■Taste approx. 50 samples of shochu to learn different styles, where each flavor come from and how to describe flavor characteristics
3Advanced
■Visit traditional shochu distilleries to learn its production　more in depth from farm to glass
Experiential
Visit various local shochu and/or awamori bars and restaurants. (Supplementary lesson: Off hours)
■Various Sake, Shochu, Awamori bars and restaurants

Lecturers

Experts of making and tasting shochu, and researchers from National Research Institute of Brewing

Location

Kagoshima University Education Center 1-20-6, Korimoto, Kagoshima, Japan

Kagoshima Prefecture is a major producer of sweet potato shochu and home to over 120 shochu distilleries; the highest number of distilleries by prefecture in Japan.

Certificate

Upon completion of all the lectures, a certificate will be issued by National Research Institute of Brewing and JSS for each student.

Language

English

[2] How to join the courses

Course fee 140,000 yen
Date and Time 24th August – 28th August
from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Accommodation Accommodation is arranged by the academy and included in the course fee. Students are free to arrange their own accommodation if necessary, however, this will not change the course fee
Notes
  • - Maximum number of admission is 14 students
  • - Students are required to attend all scheduled lectures
  • - Applicant must be eager to learn the advanced knowledge and tasting skills of shochu and awamori.
  • - Applicant is required to submit a short essay describing past/present, activities and aspiration for future activities using the knowledge and experience gained from this course.
  • - In the case of exceeding number of applications, candidates will be selected based on the essay submitted.
  • - The result will be notified directly by 12th June 2026.
Application Apply for the course
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Application Deadline : 5th June 2026
JSSA 2026 Cancellation Policy JSSA 2026 Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. However, as preparations for the curriculum, catering, and accommodations are made well in advance, the following cancellation fees apply to all participants:

1. Cancellation Notice
If you need to cancel your participation, please notify the JSSA Secretariat via email immediately. The date of the email receipt will be considered the official cancellation date.

2. Refund Amounts
The following fees will be charged based on the timing of your cancellation. Please note that the "Course Fee" refers to the total amount paid.

  • 11 days or more before the course starts (On or before Aug 13):
    Refund Amount: JPY 120,000
    (The remainder of the course fee will be refunded, excluding actual costs such as transaction fees and shipping).

  • 10 days to 2 days before the course starts (Aug 14 – Aug 22):
    Refund Amount: JPY 97,250
    (Calculated based on a 90% refund for accommodation and deduction of full catering expenses).

  • 1 day before the course starts (Aug 23):
    Refund Amount: JPY 50,000
    (Calculated based on a 20% refund for accommodation and deduction of full catering expenses).

  • On or after the course starts (From Aug 24) / No-Show: No refund


3. Refund Process
Refunds will be processed through the original payment method or bank transfer. Please note that any bank charges, currency conversion fees, or administrative handling fees incurred during the refund process will be borne by the participant.

4. Course Cancellation by JSSA
In the unlikely event that JSSA must cancel the course due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund of the course fee will be issued. JSSA is not responsible for any personal travel expenses (such as flights) booked by participants.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact the organizer.
Inquiry email: yamada@sakebunka.co.jp
Tel: +81 80-3918-0453 Weekday 10:00～17:00（Japanese time)
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