Japan Aqua Sommelier Association and Korea International Sommelier Association Sign MOU to Promote Water Culture
The Japan Aqua Sommelier Association (JASA) and the Korea International Sommelier Association (KISA) have signed an MOU to foster collaboration in promoting water culture and expert exchange, aiming to strengthen networks between the two countries.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 17:50
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The Japan Aqua Sommelier Association (JASA) and the Korea International Sommelier Association (KISA) have agreed to build a partnership aimed at cooperating for the promotion of water culture and expert exchange, and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Based on mutual respect and non-profit cooperation, this partnership aims to strengthen professional networks and friendly relations between the two countries through mutual participation in events and seminars, as well as the sharing of knowledge about water.
[Image: JASA Board Member Shinya Inoue and KISA President Jae-Yoon Ko]
The signing took place at the beginning of the '2026 World Water Day: The 4th International Premium Water Symposium' held at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpool Hotel in South Korea on March 20, 2026. Board Members Ruriko Suzuki and Shinya Inoue traveled to the site representing the Japan Aqua Sommelier Association.
During the symposium, which featured active exchanges among experts from various countries, Board Member Ruriko Suzuki served as a lecturer. She gave a presentation on the latest trends in Japan's PFAS regulations and the current state of the drinking water market, marking the first instance of expert knowledge exchange between the two countries.
[Image: Lecture by Board Member Ruriko Suzuki]
Regarding the signing of this MOU, KISA President Jae-Yoon Ko (Professor Emeritus at Kyung Hee University) stated, 'This is an important catalyst for water sommeliers in South Korea and Japan to share each other's experiences and expertise and grow together.' JASA Board Member Shinya Inoue also conveyed, 'This is the first step in connecting the water culture and education systems of both countries.' Taking this agreement as an opportunity, they aim to expand their international network through continuous future exchanges.
[Image: JASA Board Members Ruriko Suzuki and Shinya Inoue, KISA President Jae-Yoon Ko and Vice President Ha-Neul Kim]
Based on mutual respect and non-profit cooperation, this partnership aims to strengthen professional networks and friendly relations between the two countries through mutual participation in events and seminars, as well as the sharing of knowledge about water.
[Image: JASA Board Member Shinya Inoue and KISA President Jae-Yoon Ko]
The signing took place at the beginning of the '2026 World Water Day: The 4th International Premium Water Symposium' held at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul Eastpool Hotel in South Korea on March 20, 2026. Board Members Ruriko Suzuki and Shinya Inoue traveled to the site representing the Japan Aqua Sommelier Association.
During the symposium, which featured active exchanges among experts from various countries, Board Member Ruriko Suzuki served as a lecturer. She gave a presentation on the latest trends in Japan's PFAS regulations and the current state of the drinking water market, marking the first instance of expert knowledge exchange between the two countries.
[Image: Lecture by Board Member Ruriko Suzuki]
Regarding the signing of this MOU, KISA President Jae-Yoon Ko (Professor Emeritus at Kyung Hee University) stated, 'This is an important catalyst for water sommeliers in South Korea and Japan to share each other's experiences and expertise and grow together.' JASA Board Member Shinya Inoue also conveyed, 'This is the first step in connecting the water culture and education systems of both countries.' Taking this agreement as an opportunity, they aim to expand their international network through continuous future exchanges.
[Image: JASA Board Members Ruriko Suzuki and Shinya Inoue, KISA President Jae-Yoon Ko and Vice President Ha-Neul Kim]