JETRO presents “The Art of Japanese Liquor”

Reliving my journey with Japan's Finest Spirits paired with equally delicious bites

Last month, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) organized “The Art of Japanese Liquor," an intimate get-together event to showcase the diverse selection of Japan's finest and most beloved liquors, emphasizing the art and science behind their craftsmanship.

This event is a part of JETRO’s “Bringing You A Taste of Japan” campaign that continues to promote Japanese culture, traditions, and products in the Philippine market.

With Makoto Sudo, Director at JETRO

There was no doubt that the "Art of Japanese Liquor" event meticulously highlighted the exceptional quality and diverse range of Japanese liquor. This carefully curated experience intends to demonstrate the liquor's versatility, inviting guests to enjoy it neat or as a unique infusion in culinary creations. By seamlessly blending the art and science behind Japanese liquor craftsmanship into the menu, JETRO aims to underscore the meticulous skill and expertise involved, cultivating a deeper appreciation for Japanese liquor and contributing to increased exports.

The event also serves as a celebration of the rich history of Japanese liquor and its significant contribution to the global market. With a tradition dating back centuries, Japanese liquor, including Sake and other spirits, has evolved into an art form. Its craftsmanship is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Throughout the series of dinners held, Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM), Mitsukoshi FRESH, and High Tower Incorporated (HTI) provided some of the best liquors from Japan. 

Gail Sotelo of 2 Shots and a Pint

Having attended the first night, the intimate program hosted by our good friend from 2 Shots and a Pint Blog, Gail Sotelo, guided us to this artful journey and introduced four premium Sake bottles paired with delicious Japanese culinary creations. These include the Amabuki Tokubetsu Junmai Yamadanishiki Chokarakuchi Namasake from Northwest Kyushu in Saga Prefecture, Hakkaisan Tokubetsu Junmai from Niigata Prefecture, Masamune “Malola” Junmai Ginjo from Yamagata Prefecture, and Mutsu Hassen Ginjo “Pink Label” from Aomori Prefecture. 

Japanese bar and restaurant Sakagura (created by the same people behind popular Japanese robatayaki, Nikkei) hosted the exclusive experience highlighting premium Japanese spirits and beverages.

The culinary team, led by chefs Yonemoto Kazumasa and Richie Buenaventura, served us with deliciously authentic Japanese specialties to pair with the liquors from various regions in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Along with Resto PH's Spanky Enriquez, Jane Chua of Between Bites Blog, and PR extraordinaire Sunny Ku, our small party of 4 enjoyed the amazing menu served that night such as Sakagura Chef’s Choice Sashimi with some of the freshest seasonal Japanese seafood, Handrolls or Temaki, Hamachi Tataki, grilled miso-glazed Bone Marrow, and grilled Wagyu Skewers. 

In celebration of the restaurant group’s contribution to promoting Japanese culture and cuisine, JETRO presented The Nikkei Group with the Japanese Food Supporters (JFS) Certification. This recognition is “given to restaurants and retailers who use authentic Japanese food products and alcoholic beverages and promote their appeal of Japanese food to a broad range of people.”

Awarding time! Congrats, Nikkei Group!

In attendance were Mr. Carlo G. Lorenzana and Mrs. Jackie Lorenzana, Managing Directors and Owners of The Nikkei Group, while Ms. Mareycris Gonowon (Business Development Manager) and Ms. Monica Modomo (PR & Communications Manager) accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The “The Art of Japanese Liquor” culinary event is just one of the many activities mounted by JETRO as part of the “Bringing You A Taste of Japan” campaign in Metro Manila. For updates, visit www.jetro.go.jp/philippines. 

About JETRO

The Japan External Trade Organization, or JETRO, is a Japanese government-related organization that promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Through its various services and activities, JETRO aims to help small to medium-sized Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.

The certification program of Japanese Food and Ingredient Supporter Stores Overseas was designed to certify overseas restaurants, bars, and retailers who carry Japanese food and beverages as official Japanese Food Supporters (JFS) to promote Japanese agricultural, forestry, fishery, and food products around the world.