Luxury Sake Brand 'TAKANOME' Participates in International Tasting Event 'Top Drop Vancouver 2026' in Canada

TAKANOME, a luxury sake brand operated by Forbul Inc. (Headquarters: Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture; Representative: Sachika Nagakane), participated in the international tasting event 'Top Drop Vancouver 2026' held in Vancouver, Canada, in May 2026. The venue introduced over 70 brands from around the world and attracted over 300 attendees, ranging from industry professionals such as sommeliers, chefs, and media, to general wine enthusiasts. In addition to providing tastings at the event, CEO Sachika Nagakane took the stage for a panel discussion, communicating the brand's philosophy and the potential of luxury sake in the overseas market.

'Top Drop' is an international tasting event guided by the philosophy of highlighting premium wine brands and their creators that reflect craftsmanship and terroir. This major North American event once again brought together over 70 wineries, spirits makers, owners, and importers from around the world. In the sake category, two brands participated: 'TAKANOME' and Aichi Prefecture's 'Kuheiji'. Held over two days in Yaletown, a gathering place for Vancouver's gourmets, the event drew a wide range of attendees who love wine and food—including sommeliers, restaurant professionals, buyers, and media—and concluded as a great success.

Since 2024, TAKANOME has fully launched its sales in Vancouver, Canada. Its presence is expanding not only in Michelin-starred high-end Japanese restaurants like 'Kissa Tanto' and 'Okeya Kyujiro,' but also in top restaurants beyond the framework of Japanese cuisine, such as the seafood restaurant 'Blue Water Cafe' and the high-end steakhouse 'Elisa,' as well as in private liquor stores across the city.

Interest in sake is currently rising in Vancouver, and demand is emerging not just in Japanese and fusion restaurants, but also in categories that were once distant from sake, such as steakhouses and Italian restaurants. Amidst this trend, exhibiting at Top Drop Vancouver carried significant meaning. At the venue, wine professionals and attendees offered many favorable comments, such as 'This is the best sake I have ever had' and 'It would pair wonderfully with Vancouver's seafood.'

Moving forward, TAKANOME aims to improve the presence of sake and Japanese culture in North America by communicating the new value and potential of sake while taking root in the North American culinary scene and deepening cooperation with local partners.

Communicating TAKANOME's Philosophy in Words at the Panel Discussion
CEO Sachika Nagakane

During the panel discussions held throughout the event, sessions divided into small groups were conducted multiple times. CEO Sachika Nagakane introduced the brand's history and dedication to sake brewing in English, engaging in direct dialogue with a wide range of participants, from wine professionals to sake enthusiasts.

For TAKANOME, whose mission since its founding has been 'contributing to the development of culture through sake,' this initiative proved to be an incredibly meaningful time that went beyond the framework of a mere 'liquor tasting.'

TAKANOME champions the philosophy of 'pursuing only deliciousness.' However, this 'deliciousness' is not limited to taste alone. The experience that appeals to all five senses—encompassing the space, pairing with food, connection with people, and the very moment it is brought to the mouth—is the deliciousness TAKANOME aims for. For the brand, being able to engage in direct dialogue with local food and beverage professionals and wine experts, rather than just offering tastings, became an opportunity of special significance.

Comment from CEO Sachika Nagakane

'Since our founding in 2019, we at TAKANOME have walked with the mission of cultural transmission through sake. Standing in a venue where sake is discussed on equal footing within the global wine scene felt like a moment where we stepped closer to that mission. Furthermore, I was surprised by the large number of local sommeliers with a deep interest and extensive knowledge in sake, and hearing their moving voices say it was 'delicious' brought me unparalleled joy. Sake has still only reached a small fraction of the world. TAKANOME will continue to broadcast the new value and potential of sake to the world, standing shoulder to shoulder with wine and whisky.'

About Top Drop

An international wine event focused on terroir and craftsmanship held in Vancouver and Calgary, Canada. Under the strong philosophy that 'the passion of the creator is the main focus,' it gathers carefully selected, innovative wines and spirits from all over the world.