The 20th
INTERNATIONAL SAKE CHALLENGE 2026
HOW TO ENTER
Entries for the 20th International SAKE Challenge 2026 are open now!
Entry Deadline: Friday 2nd October
Sample Delivery Period: Friday 1st May to Friday 2nd October
1. Requirements to submit your Sake
Only single sakes taken from the same container and bottled
at the same time are eligible.
A minimum total production volume of 1,000 liters is required,
but special sake with a bottle capacity of 2 liters or less may be
approved even if the total production volume is less than 1,000 liters.
However, if it is less than 100 liters, it is not permitted.
2. Categories
Participants must select the appropriate category for listing.
Exhibited sake will be judged together with sake in the same category as much as possible.
If you do not know the category, please contact info@sakechallenge.comPlease inquire.
The categories of the 19th International SAKE Challenge are divided into the following groups.
●Aged ●Daiginjo/Ginjo ●Junmai Daiginjo ●Junmai Ginjo ●Junmai ●Premium ●Sparkling
Honjozo falls into the class of premium sake, but is not included in the category for two reasons. One is to simplify the screening process, and the other is that honjozo is positioned in the low price range among high-end sake and is not well known to overseas consumers.
In addition, kimotoyama haisokujo is categorized only by the polishing ratio. Kimoto and Yamahai usually have a unique style, and it is difficult to compare directly with many other sakes, like comparing "orange and apple", and there is a clear difference. Therefore, it was classified as such.
Ginjo and junmai ginjo (as well as daiginjo and junmai ginjo) are separate categories due to the generally different flavor perceptions.
In addition, premium is sake that the producer considers to be "the highest quality and highest grade product that represents the brewery".
3. Participation fee
Participation fee is 33,000 yen (including consumption tax) per sake.
We only accept bank transfer as payment method. Please make payment at the same time as applying for participation.
Your participation will not be officially recognized until payment has been confirmed.
The Secretariat will not issue any invoices. A receipt will be issued upon completion of payment.
Please note that the participation fee once paid will not be returned.
Bank : MUFG Bank, LTD.
(8-1, Nihonbashiodenmacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-0011 Japan)
Branch Name: Horidome Branch
Account No : 322-1165993 (Ordinary - Futsu)
Account Name : Brown and Company Ltd
SWIFT : BOTKJPJT (Japan does not use an IBAN number)
4. Number of bottles to be submitted
Please submit 3 bottles (720ml) for each sake.
They are required for re-tasting, Trophy Tasting and photo-shoot.
5. Application for participation
Deadline: Friday 2nd October
Please apply through either:
* Online application form (on this page - please scroll down)
* Submit the Entry Form/Wine Form in Excel at info@sakechallenge.com
The Entry Kit, Entry Form and Wine Form can be downloaded from "Entry Related Data" at the bottom of the page.
Your entry number and "Outer Carton Label" will be sent to you by e-mail upon reception of your Entry Form.
