Paris, Sept. 30 (Jiji Press)–“Shichiken Hoshi no Kagayaki Sparkling,” a Japanese sake brand of Yamanashi Meijo Co. in Yamanashi Prefecture, central Japan, won the President’s Award, the top prize, in the sake category at the 2026 Kura Master competition in France on Wednesday. The top prize in the honkaku-shochu and awamori spirits category went to “Mugishiru,” a barley shochu brand made by Toyonaga Distillery in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan. The award ceremony was held in Paris the same day. Judges praised the winning sake and shochu brands for their distinctive flavors combining freshness and strength and their deep and profound character. “We are very honored to be recognized internationally,” Toyonaga Distillery executive Haruka Toyonaga said. Yamanashi Meijo President Tsushima Kitahara said, “I hope (the award) will give more people an opportunity to connect with sake.” The top prize in the Japanese liqueur category went to Chiyomusubi Sake Brewery Co.’s “Chiyomusubi Ultra Yuzu” from Tottori Prefecture, western Japan, while that in the Japanese wine category was awarded to Horaisan Winery’s “R359 Sangoku,” made in Toyama Prefecture, central Japan. The competition began in 2017. This year, a total of 1,252 entries were submitted by producers seeking to expand their sales channels, and they were evaluated by professionals from France’s food and beverage industry. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
