NexGen Movers & Shakers featuring Master Brewer Mr. Motoyoshi Yamaga of Asahi Shuzo Sake Brewing Co., Ltd. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, JASH hosted a NexGen Movers & Shakers program featuring Master Brewer Mr. Motoyoshi Yamaga of Asahi Shuzo Sake Brewing Co., Ltd.

The event took place at Oceans20 - Central Pacific Bank, where 60 guests enjoyed sake from Asahi Shuzo paired with food from The Pig and the Lady.

The goal of the “Movers and Shakers Let’s Talk Story” series is to facilitate deeper discussions regarding topics such as leadership, facing challenges, creatively addressing contemporary issues, and envisioning the future through the perspectives of established and emerging leaders.

This exclusive event provided unique opportunities for JASH NexGeners and their guests to engage in meaningful conversations with our distinguished international guests.

Thanks to the outstanding support of our JASH community, the event was SOLD OUT! 

NexGen Committee Chair Mr. Cosmo Hirai

[L-R] Mr. Masato Hibi, Mr. Hikaru Utsugi, Ms. Reyna Kaneko

NexGen Committee Chair Mr. Hirai opened the program with a warm welcome. Cosmo then introduced Team Asahi: Master Brewer Mr. Motoyoshi Yamaga, Chief Brewer Mr. Yutaka Yamamoto, Director Mr. Yoshikazu Endo, Manager Mr. Toshiro Susa, and Sales Representative Ms. Kaoru Ito.

JASH was fortunate to host this event, one of many that Asahi Shuzo participated in during their trip to Hawaii. Kubota is loved worldwide, and we are grateful they chose Hawaii as the first venue for their overseas event, featuring Master Brewer Mr. Yamaga and Chief Brewer Mr. Yamamoto.

Ms. Kaoru Ito

Ms. Ito introduced Asahi Shuzo Sake Brewing Company and their sake while serving “Junmai Daiginjo” for the guests to enjoy. Mr. Yamaga introduced himself and shared his passion regarding sake-making, and his journey to becoming a master brewer.  Ms. Eiko Ushida from JASH provided translation. Mr. Yamaga also conducted a blind sake tasting, selecting 10 participants for Kikisake.

Guests then moved to another room, where they sampled Vietnamese fusion cuisine from The Pig and the Lady, exploring the pairing of different foods with sake. This event proves that sake can complement various cuisines, not just Japanese food like sushi.

Mr. Yamaga, Mr. Yamamoto, and Mr. Endo performed a sake song, delighting all attendees. 

The 10 selected guests participated in the Kikisake tasting, where they tried to match sake samples A, B, C, and D with another set numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. The challenge proved difficult, with only one participant, Masato Hibi from Zetton, achieving a perfect score.

Congratulations, Mr. Hibi!

Team Asahi Shuzo then served their special and highest premium sake, "TSUGU", a Junmai Daiginjo prepared especially for this event.

JASH President Ms. Reyna Kaneko concluded the evening with closing remarks, expressing gratitude to Asahi Shuzo, Cherry Company, and Central Pacific Bank.

At the end of the event, Team Asahi gave all guests an Ochoko (sake cup) signed by Master Brewer, Mr. Yamaga.

Thank you to all of our guests, Asahi Shuzo, Cherry Company, Ltd and Central Pacific Bank for making the event a success!

Stay tuned for more NexGen Movers & Shakers events!