[2026 marks the 160th anniversary of Japan-Italy relations] Celebrate 'Italian Wine Day' on June 2nd

JETLC Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Thierry Cohen) is celebrating the milestone 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy in 2026. Ahead of 'Italian Wine Day' on Tuesday, June 2nd, the company will highlight the appeal of Italian wine and the bond between the two nations.

'Italian Wine Day' was conceived by JETLC President Thierry Cohen during the 'Italia in Giappone 2007' event. With the support and approval of the Italian Embassy and the Italian Trade Commission (now the Italian Trade Agency), the company formally registered it as a commemorative day in Japan.

In this historic year, the company will release 'Celebration Movies' from long-standing partner wineries across Italy on its official social media channels, delivering the joy of Italian wine to dining tables in Japan.

Regarding this year's 'Italian Wine Day,' President Thierry Cohen stated:

'This year, marking the 160th anniversary, 'Italian Wine Day' is a day of toasts to the unwavering partnership and shared passion between Japan and Italy.

Wine is not just a drink. It is a storyteller, a bridge connecting different cultures, and a spark for laughter and bonding. It turns an ordinary meal into a celebration and fills the table with warmth.

I hope that on June 2nd, both long-time wine lovers and those new to Italian wine will join us in raising a glass with their loved ones. Let us celebrate not only the wonderful Italian wine but also the beautiful friendship between Japan and Italy, which continues to flourish even after 160 years.'

◆ 160th Anniversary and 'Italian Wine Day'

160 years have passed since the conclusion of the 'Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and Italy' in 1866. Throughout this long history, Italy's rich food culture, especially 'wine,' has been loved by many in Japan and has become deeply integrated into daily life.

June 2nd is Italy's 'Republic Day' (Festa della Repubblica), a day filled with festive atmosphere across Italy. Established in honor of this day, 'Italian Wine Day' serves as a symbol of cultural exchange between Japan and Italy.

In this landmark year, the company is launching an initiative to deliver the voices and passion of Italian winemakers directly to customers. Short videos featuring winemakers tending to their grapes while thinking of Japanese wine fans, along with the beautiful local vineyards, will be released sequentially on the company's official SNS (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) starting June 2nd.

◆ The IWSS (Italian Wine Sommelier Seminar) to be held on July 23rd (Thu)

Italy, long and narrow, is one of the world's largest wine producers, with wine made in all 20 regions. Its greatest appeal lies in the 'diversity' woven by rich fruitiness born from a warm climate and the numerous indigenous varieties that each region prides itself on, yet Italian wine holds depths that continue to captivate people.

To help enthusiasts deepen their knowledge of Italian wine, this year's IWSS (Italian Wine Sommelier Seminar) will offer a 5-part course, covering everything from basic knowledge to the latest 'seasonal' topics from winemakers representing famous regions.

In response to many requests to 'listen to the seminar while tasting wine,' the long-awaited in-person seminar will be held in Tokyo on July 23rd (Thu). Participants can enjoy detailed commentary from instructors while tasting nine carefully selected Italian wines. Online participation is also available for those joining from across the country.

For details, please visit the company's website: https://www.jetlc.co.jp/event/55589/

■ Event Overview

Name: 17th IWSS Diploma Course Main Seminar

Date: July 23, 2026 (Thu) 10:00 - 16:15 (Scheduled)

Venue: Hyatt Regency Tokyo, Century Room, and online streaming

Address: 2-7-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Instructors: Mr. Isao Miyajima, Mr. Yoshihiro Nagase

Fee: In-person (includes tasting and archive viewing): 7,000 JPY