SESSION 110:30–12:00
Into New Markets: How to Compete Globally
Sharing North-America case studies in a high-potential yet fiercely competitive market — the institutional framework for export promotion and transparency in export contracts.
SAKE LEADERS SUMMIT
2026
Protecting heritage, building industry for the world market.
2026.8.4–6Tokyo Big Sight (inside FERMEX)
Intro
Protecting heritage, building industry for the world market.
The second edition. What must be done to protect and carry forward sake as living heritage, and to build its industry and brand value in the world market — examined through three lenses: global-market strategy & rule-making, rethinking the sake production license, and business succession & generational change. With speakers from policymakers to brewers, and grounded in a survey of nearly 120 brewers, it is an evidence-based dialogue.
Conference Overview
9 sessions over 3 days, each interrelated, converging on the core of the industry's structural challenges. Last year's SLS2025 drew a cumulative 3,995 attendees.
- DATE
- Aug 4–6, 2026
- VENUE
- Tokyo Big Sight (inside FERMEX)
- SESSIONS
- 9 sessions over 3 days
- HOST
- SLS Committee (camo / TSO International)
- 2025実績
- SLS2025: 11 sessions, 3,995 attendees
Program
DAY 18.4 (月)
SESSION 213:00–14:30
Defining the Backbone of Sake for the World
Through sparkling sake, aged/blended sake, overseas education and cultural translation: what is sake's backbone, who defines it, and how do we translate its value for the world?
SESSION 315:00–16:30
Sake as Tradition & Culture, and Capitalism
Sharpening the often-vague words “tradition” and “culture,” and asking how enduring value can persist and grow within a capitalist economy — from fermentation culture, management thought, sake studies and cultural policy.
DAY 28.5 (火)
SESSION 410:30–12:00
The Sake Production License: Mapping the Facts
Starting from a survey of 116 brewers/successors, mapping the gap between what is said and the institutional facts of the sake license — verifying concerns, structure and media framing to hand over to S5/S6.
SESSION 513:00–14:30
Rethinking Sake License Regulation (Part 1)
Turning to concrete design: how could new licenses be issued? Mapping entry routes, quality assurance and coexistence with existing breweries — from policymakers, practitioners and the industry.
SESSION 615:00–16:30
Rethinking Sake License Regulation (Part 2)
Continuing S5: deepening conditions, dialogue with the floor, and connecting to policy action — clarifying a concrete next step across quality, coexistence, legal consistency and succession.
DAY 38.6 (水)
SESSION 710:30–12:00
The Reality of Business Succession
With brewers and practitioners on the frontline of succession — pre-deal structural issues, the reality of post-deal management (PMI), and the NTA's new succession-support programme.
SESSION 813:00–14:30
Generational Change of the Legends Who Made an Era
Brewers of Hiroki (Hiroki Shuzohonten) and Hakkaisan (Hakkai Jozo) discuss generational change as makers and as managers — the uncharted handover of legendary breweries.
SESSION 915:00–16:30
Brewers' Next Careers & Nurturing Successors
The career paths of brewers who are not owners — toji and kurabito — and a prescription for growing brewing talent, drawn from lived experience.
Archive videos, notes and the integrated report will be published soon.