Proof of mastery of "Tosa sake"

The "Tosa Sake Advisor" was established under the sponsorship of the Kochi Prefecture Sake Brewers Association.
The "uses" are varied, including spreading knowledge about the characteristics and product of Tosa Sake (the common name for sake produced in Kochi Prefecture), cultivating and improving sake tasting skills, and contributing to the promotion of a rich diet and sake culture.

Starting in 1992 (Heisei 4), the program has been held 22 times up to 2025 (Reiwa 7), producing a total of 598 Tosa sake advisors. The program is open to brewers, restaurant owners and staff who serve Tosa sake, and even the general public.

The process to obtain qualifications

The Tosa Sake Advisor qualification is a 10-session course that takes place over a period of approximately two months, and the curriculum involves learning the essence of Tosa sake through lectures and sake tasting.

Classroom lecture

You can learn everything from specialized knowledge about Tosa sake, such as "The history of Tosa sake" and "Kochi sake brewing and Kochi yeast," to knowledge about sake tasting, such as "Memorizing the characteristics of different types of sake" and "Tasting commercially available sake using the profiling method." You can also learn general knowledge about alcohol, such as "An overview of alcoholic beverages" and "Liquor tax law."

Sake tasting practice

This practical training course will build on the knowledge of Tosa sake and sake tasting that has been learned in the classroom.
- Identifying sake meter value, alcohol content, and acidity
- Judging sake by type, such as honjozo sake or junmai ginjo sake
We conduct detailed sake tastings, such as:

Renowned instructors in various fields

The Tosa Sake Advisory Instructors hold a variety of titles, including "Chairman of the Kochi Prefecture Sake Brewers Association" and "Technical Advisor."
In addition to representatives and master brewers from the prefecture's Uchiura district, specialist lecturers from the Takamatsu National Political Bureau Liquor Tax Division and the Culinary Institute will also be speaking, tailored to each curriculum.

The benefits of obtaining qualifications

If you pass the Tosa Sake Advisor exam, you will receive various benefits.

1. Receive a special Tosa Sake Advisor Certificate and a certified pin badge from the association.

2. You will receive priority information on the dates and details of events held by the Kochi Prefecture Sake Brewers Association.

3. Become a highly qualified Tosa Sake Supporter "TOSA SAKE NAKAMA" and be given the right to recommend certified supporters to the group.
*If you become a "TOSA SAKE NAKAMA," you will be presented with a certification card and badge, and will have priority access to events held by the Kochi Prefecture Sake Brewers Association.

4. You will be able to provide support as a Tosa sake professional at events held by the Kochi Prefecture Sake Brewers Association.

A presence that supports the "sender"

When selling and providing Tosa sake, the "Tosa Sake Advisor" not only increases the appeal, but also gives consumers the confidence to trust the advisor, thinking, "I can trust someone who is knowledgeable about Tosa sake."

Anyone who can take the course in Kochi Prefecture can apply, regardless of nationality. Details are posted on the Kochi Prefecture Sake Brewers Association website, so if you have a strong passion for Tosa sake or are considering handling Tosa sake in the future, why not become a Tosa sake advisor?