'Australia Sake Festival 2026' to Be Held Sequentially in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney

JAMS Japan Co., Ltd. (located in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Katsushi Endo) and its Australian affiliate JAMS.TV Pty Ltd (located in Sydney; Managing Director: Katsushi Endo) will sequentially host the 'Australia Sake Festival 2026,' starting with the Brisbane venue on June 19, 2026.

With the tagline 'Experience the Spirit of Japan: Tradition meets Innovation,' this event is a comprehensive festival designed to convey the diverse appeal of Japan to the local audience, focusing on sake, Japanese food, and traditional culture.

Celebrating its fifth year, the festival will be held in three major cities: Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. The event will expand in scale compared to previous years, featuring historic venues registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

By connecting Japanese breweries and regional organizations with local exhibitors and visitors, the event offers new opportunities for discovery and exchange through sake.

2026 Event Schedule

Brisbane Sake Festival 2026 Dates: Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, 2026 Venue: John Reid Pavilion, Brisbane Showgrounds

Melbourne Sake Festival 2026 Dates: Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, July 5, 2026 Venue: Royal Exhibition Building (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Sydney Sake Festival 2026 Dates: Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13, 2026 Venue: Overseas Passenger Terminal

Please visit the official website for detailed information on the events in each city.

Key Highlights for 2026

Melbourne Sake Festival Held at a World Heritage Site The 2026 Melbourne Sake Festival will be held at the Royal Exhibition Building, a registered UNESCO World Heritage site. Completed in 1880, this historic building is an iconic landmark of Victoria, featuring a palace-like interior. Experiencing sake and regional cultures from across Japan in this grand World Heritage setting is one of the biggest highlights of this year's festival.

Two-Way Communication with Japanese Producers and Regions One of the major attractions of the Australia Sake Festival is the opportunity for direct interaction with participating breweries and regional exhibitors from Japan. While there are opportunities to taste sake in Australia, chances to speak directly with the producers and learn about their thoughts and philosophy behind sake brewing are rare. Engaging in dialogue with the brewers provides invaluable value for visitors, allowing them to connect with the stories and regional charms behind each cup. In 2026, approximately 50 breweries from various parts of Japan are scheduled to participate. At the venue, Toji (master brewers) and brewery owners will welcome visitors to introduce their dedication, regional culture, and history. In addition, regional booths representing prefectures such as Niigata and Saga will exhibit, promoting local sake and food culture, as well as tourism resources and traditional crafts. Visitors can enjoy tastings while asking questions and consulting about sake to match their preferences, fostering two-way communication.

Special Opportunities to Learn and Experience Japanese Culture The Australia Sake Festival offers programs to help visitors explore the history, culture, and stories behind sake. From 'Sake 101' seminars for beginners to food pairing sessions and special seminars by experts, visitors can deepen their understanding based on their interests and knowledge levels. In 2026, various learning and discovery opportunities will be prepared in each city, including a special pairing seminar by Marie Chiba, a renowned 'Sake Samurai.' The event aims to enrich visitors' experiences by helping them discover the depth and enjoyment of sake.

Impact of the Australia Sake Festival

① Enhancing Recognition and Expanding Sales Channels for Exhibitors Having attracted approximately 23,000 visitors annually in 2025 and recording total exhibitor sales of approximately 239 million JPY, this event contributes significantly to raising awareness and expanding sales channels in the Australian market.