Seafood Loves Sake. 2024identifies how the marriage of delicate seafood flavours with the elegant profiles of sake results in a true gastronomic delight, highlighting their synergistic flavours. Japanese sake, a traditional alcoholic beverage made from rice, koji (rice malt), and water, plays a central role in this Campaign. Brewed through a meticulous process, sake offers diverse flavours, ranging from light and mild to bold and rich. When paired with seafood, sake creates a new dimension of outstanding taste through the synergy of sapor. The Campaign introduces the different types of sake, including aromatic, smooth and refreshing, rich with umami, aged with a nutty fragrance, and the emerging naturally sparkling varieties. Each class offers a unique sensory experience, enriching the pairing with seafood.

To Tantalise You with a Preview of Three Exceptional Michelin-starred Restaurants and Their Offerings

Seafood Loves Sake. 2024aims to highlight the captivating allure of sake and seafood, bringing together the delicate flavours of seafood with the elegant profiles of sake. Sixteen prominent restaurants, including the prestigious Three Michelin-starred ODETTE and two other One Michelin-starred establishments, Tess Bar & Kitchen and WHITEGRASS, have joined forces to create exclusive menus that can only be enjoyed for a limited time.

Sake and Seafood Pairings from Michelin-starred Restaurants

• ODETTE, led by its co-founder and award-winning Chef Julien Royer, celebrates exceptional ingredients sourced from passionate farmers and producers worldwide. Through Chef Julien's unique vision, the cuisine at ODETTE opens up a world of exciting possibilities, showcasing the natural flavours of ingredients at their peak.

• At Tess Bar & Kitchen, Chef Kenneth Oh, the World Gourmet Summit's "Rising Chef of the Year" in 2017, combines modern cocktails with a trendy interpretation of food. Bolstered by an industrial-chic design, Tess Bar & Kitchen provides a relaxed ambience for guests to enjoy their culinary creations.

• WHITEGRASS is located within the historic Chijmes landmark. This exceptional restaurant seamlessly blends classic French cuisine with a distinct Japanese influence, resulting in an extraordinary dining experience. Chef Takuya Yamashita, hailing from the nature-rich Nara Prefecture, infuses his dishes with a deep reverence for the environment and a passion for storytelling. Chef Yamashita's refined techniques and creative flair shine through in every thoughtfully crafted dish.

These are just a glimpse of the extraordinary dining experiences that await participants during the Campaign. Each participating restaurant will offer unique menus featuring carefully curated dishes emphasising the impeccable pairing of sake and seafood.

Sake's Remarkable "Supplemental Effect" Beyond Elevating Harmonious Flavors

Unlike white wine, which might intensify seafood's unpleasant smell. As a fermented liquor, sake enhances the umami of foods and neutralises the undesirable odours that may arise from seafood, ensuring that only delicious flavours prevail. A survey conducted in Japan revealed that approximately 70% of people enjoy sake as their primary alcoholic beverage during meals.

Bridging Generations: A Spectacular Celebration for Young and Middle-aged Audiences

This Campaign cordially welcomes wine enthusiasts aged 35 to 49 who regularly indulge in dining experiences. It also seeks to engage the younger generation and foster their appreciation for the rich and deep-rooted sake culture. Individuals aged 25 to 34 who may consume low-alcohol beverages less frequently will have the opportunity to explore their interests and discover the wonders of this event.

"We are excited to present the Seafood Loves Sake. 2024, an elevated pairing informed by experts," stated Mr. Tetsuya Ito, Senior Director of JFOODO, "with guidance from sommeliers and the culinary expertise of distinguished chefs, this exceptional collaboration promises to deliver a truly splendid combination of sake and seafood."

JFOODO encourages patrons to make reservations in advance, as seating for this exclusive event is limited. Further details regarding participating restaurants, menus, and reservation information can be found on the official "Seafood Loves Sake. 2024^[3]" website.

Appendix 1 - List of participating restaurants (*Alphabetical Order)

https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/jfoodo/^[4]

Hashtag: #Japanesefood #Sake #FoodCampaign #Seafood

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach Newswire (www.media-outreach.com)
2. ^{^} Seafood Loves Sake. 2024 (japan-food.jetro.go.jp)
3. ^{^} Seafood Loves Sake. 2024 (www.jetro.go.jp)
4. ^{^} https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/jfoodo/ (www.jetro.go.jp)