About This Course

This program offers training for the Certified Sake Sommelier (CSS) — a globally recognized professional qualification at the sommelier level. Highly regarded both in Japan and internationally, the CSS is a valuable asset for building a career in the food and beverage industry or expanding into global markets.

Personalized Learning Plans

Before the course begins, we conduct an online pre-course consultation to understand each participant’s goals and current knowledge level. Based on this, we tailor the curriculum to create an efficient and practical learning experience that best suits your individual needs.

Intensive Professional Sake Course

This fast-track program covers everything from sake fundamentals—ingredients, classifications, and labeling—to the intricate brewing science of fermentation and koji production. You will master professional tasting techniques, scientific food pairing, and refined service etiquette. By exploring both traditional methods like kimoto and modern industry standards, this course transforms beginners and enthusiasts into experts, providing the authoritative knowledge needed to excel in the global sake world.

Instructor: Kaori Koumatsu

A specialist in sake, shochu, and Japanese tea export with over a decade of international experience. As the creator of "Sip of Japan," Kaori bridges the gap between traditional breweries and global markets through expert education and promotion. Her curriculum is grounded in real-world expertise, offering clear, accessible insights tailored for everyone from beginners to industry pros. She focuses on practical, hands-on learning and global market strategies to help learners confidently share the story of sake with the world.