Presentation: Sake 101 Japan’s UNESCO-Recognized Traditional Brewing Culture

In partnership with the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco
Wednesday, 3/25/2026
5:30 - 7:00
Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room A
Latino/Hispanic Meeting Room B
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400
Register

This public educational program introduces participants to Japan’s traditional brewing culture, which has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The session explores the cultural, historical and scientific foundations of Japanese sake through a structured seminar and guided tasting.

Designed for beginners and general audiences, the program emphasizes cultural understanding, craftsmanship and fermentation science rather than consumption.

Program:

  1. Sake 101 presentation- 40 minutes
  2. Guided tasting - 20 minutes

The presentation will be led by a liaison representative of the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, Tamiko Ishidate, who is also a certified kikizakeshi (professional sake taster).
The presenter brings professional expertise in sake evaluation, industry knowledge and cultural interpretation, ensuring an authentic and educational experience.
 

About the Presenter:
Tamiko Ishidate, originally from Japan, has been a leading advocate for sake in the Bay Area for nearly 20 years. She began her career as Sales Manager for Joto Sake and later became Director of Sake at RNDC, overseeing a major portfolio of domestic and imported sake, shochu, and Japanese spirits. She now works as a Sake Specialist for Regal Wine Company and also serves as the U.S. liaison for the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. Highly credentialed, Tamiko holds titles including Certified Sake Professional, Kikizake Maestro, WSET Level 3 Sake (Distinction), WSET Level 3 Instructor, and Sake Scholar. She received the prestigious Sake Soul of the Year Award in 2022. Her contributions include writing for Sake Today and True Sake, hosting tastings and seminars, and co‑founding Moto Club—an all‑female sake industry group. She is also active in Washu Kyogikai and additionally holds CSW and CSS certifications, making her a well‑rounded beverage professional.

 

This program is for ages 21 or older.  

Space limited. Registration required.

 

Photo credits: © Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan, 2023

 

Connect:

Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco - Homepage | Tamiko Ishidate - Instagram

History

Learn more about local history.

Food

Discover new flavors, build cooking skills and try something tasty. For food programs, please be aware of food allergies.

Japanese Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Japanese community and culture.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.