Master Sommelier of Sake (Examination course)

What is Master Sommelier of Sake (International Sakasho)?

“International Sakasho” is a specialist in sales promotion planning with advanced tasting ability.
The ability is cultivated by basic training using odor and taste training, tasting by raw materials and manufacturing method of sake and shochu, and comparative tasting by type. In addition, we have prepared a large number of tasting samples to be used in the seminar, and by intensively tasting these, we will realize the acquisition of sales promotion planning ability utilizing advanced tasting.

Curriculum

During the two consecutive days of training, totaling approximately 17 hours, we will be using a variety of items, including Japanese sake and shochu.
It is a fulfilling curriculum that includes basic training aimed at improving the sense of smell and taste, improving the ability to identify the characteristics of sake and shochu, and comparative tasting of alcoholic beverages.
You will also learn about the compatibility of sake and shochu with cooking, which can be used immediately in practice.

What is an examination course?

A course where you can receive direct guidance from a full-time instructor with the teaching materials and experiences unique to attending the venue. Questions can be resolved immediately on the spot, and then aim to pass the exam.

Eligibility to take the exam	It is required to have both the International Kikisake-shi (SSI INT’L certified) qualification and the International Shochu Kikisake-shi (SSI INT’L certified) qualification
Language	Chinese (* Traditional Chinese ver.)、English
Examination deadline	Within one year from the month following the date of attendance at the time of initial application

Flow of qualification acquisition

Step.1 Application
We do not accept applications over the phone, please apply from the WEB.
We will send you a set of teaching materials within 7 business days after completing your application.

Step.2 Participation in the workshop

Please participate in the seminar held by our association.

Step.3 Take the exam

Please take the test at the venue on the test day designated by the Society.

Step.4 Pass / Fail Judgment To pass procedure

We will send you a pass / fail notification about 2 weeks after you take the test. (Sending to the registered e-mail address)

Teaching materials

International Sakasho Course Textbook

“NIHONSHU-NO-MOTOI” (First Edition, April 1, 2024)
“SHOCHU-NO-MOTOI” (First Edition, November 1, 2023)
※ Please prepare items ① and ② by yourself before the course date.
If you do not have them yet, you may purchase them from the online store or through the school.
Tasting sheets and supplementary materials
Approximately 20 types of Japanese sake for tasting and approximately 16 types of shochu for tasting

Schedule

Schedule	TBA (3 days in total, 1st and 2nd day is a class, 3rd day is an exam)
Venue	TBA

Program (1st-2nd day)

1st Day2nd Day

Time	Lecture
09:30-10:00	Qualities Required of a Sakasho and Key Learning Focuses
10:00-10:05	Break
10:05-12:05	[Strategies for the 1st and 2nd Examinations] – Japanese Sake Section ・Writing tasting comments for Japanese sake ・Creating a positioning map for Japanese sake ・Creating a concentric (co-axial) diagram for Japanese sake ・Approaches to answering questions related to professional knowledge of Japanese sake
12:05-13:05	Break
13:05-15:05	[Strategy for the 3rd 5rdExamination] – Japanese Sake Section Formulating a Promotional and Sales Plan for Japanese Sake (1) — Focusing on Japanese sake that is considered a current “trend” —
15:05-15:15	Break
15:15-17:15	[Strategy for the 3rd 5rd Examination] – Japanese Sake Section Formulating a Promotional and Sales Plan for Japanese Sake (2) — Using high-quality Japanese sake that embodies both technical value and natural value as an example —
17:15-17:25	Break
17:25-18:55	[Strategy for the 3rd 5rd Examination] – Japanese Sake Section Formulating a Promotional and Sales Plan for Japanese Sake (3) — Focusing on serving methods across different temperature ranges —
18:55-19:00	Information from the Secretariat

* Time may change due to preparations.

Time	Lecture
09:30-11:30	[Strategies for the 1st and 2nd Examinations] – Shochu Section ・Writing tasting comments for shochu ・Creating a positioning map for shochu ・Approaches to answering questions related to professional knowledge of shochu
11:30-12:30	Break
12:30-14:30	[Strategy for the 4rd 5rd Examination] – Shochu Section Formulating a Promotional and Sales Plan for Shochu (1) — Using shochu that is considered a current “trend” as an example —
14:30-14:40	Break
14:40-16:40	[Strategy for the 4rd 5rd Examination] – Shochu Section Formulating a Promotional and Sales Plan for Shochu (2) — Focusing on various drinking styles (serving methods) —
16:40-17:00	Information Regarding the Examination

* Time may change due to preparations

Exam (3rd Day)

Time	09:30〜15:20
1st exam （50 minutes）	【Written Examination Including Tasting】・ Sake: Quality evaluation (using the official Sakasho evaluation format)、Four-category classification based on 、aroma and flavor characteristics、Creation of a Positioning Map、Creation of a Radar Chart (Spider Chart) Number of samples: 2 types (planned) ・Shochu: Quality evaluation、Four-category classification based on aroma and flavor characteristics、Creation of a Positioning Map Number of samples: 2 types (planned)
2nd exam （50 minutes）	【Written Examination and Written Examination with Tasting】・Professional knowledge of the raw materials and production processes of sake and shochu (written exam). ・Identification of sake and shochu based on their raw materials and production methods (tasting exam). Sake: 4 samples (planned) Shochu: 4 samples (planned)
3rd exam （50 minutes）	【Written Examination Including Tasting】・Designing sake service case studies ・Developing promotional and sales strategies for sake Sake: 2 samples (planned)
4th exam (50 minutes)	【Written Examination Including Tasting】・Designing shochu service case studies. ・Developing promotional and sales strategies for shochu. Shochu: 2 samples (planned)
5th exam (50 minutes)	【Written Examination】・Creating sales communication tailored to target audiences Candidates must develop clear and appropriate explanations of various technical terms related to sake and shochu, customized for different target groups such as beginners, food- and trend-oriented consumers, and enthusiasts.

* Pass criteria: 70% or more correct answer rate for each exam

Examination fee ＆ application

Examination fee

180,000JPY(including teaching material fee, certification fee, certificate, certification chapter)
Included in the examination fee
(1) “SSI INT’L certified international liquor master examination qualification certification course” examination fee and certification examination examination fee (at the time of passing)Including certification fee)
(2) Teaching materials (textbooks, alcoholic beverages, etc.) associated with the above classes.
※This does not include “NIHONSHU-NO-MOTOI” or ““SHOCHU-NO-MOTOI”.

Retake the exam fee

35,000JPY
If you fail or are absent, you can take the test by paying the re-examination fee.
In this case, you are allowed to retake only the sections of the exam that you did not pass (e.g., only the first stage, only the third stage, etc.) within the examination period. If you meet the passing criteria, the results will be considered valid.
※ The retake period is calculated as within one year from the date of the initial examination.
Example: Initial exam on January 1, 2024 → Retake must be completed by the end of January 2025.

Certificates

Advanced