About SSA
The Sake Sommelier Association is built on 3 pillars:
Education, Challenge and Competition which cover the
wide range of our activities.
The Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) is the oldest non-Japanese body to provide formal sake education. The SSA is based in London, UK, and for over 20 years we have been fully committed to promoting global education and awareness of sake with exciting projects, such as our Sake Sommelier courses and regional Sake Challenge events. The SSA’s flagship course, the Certified Sake Sommelier, accredits students officially as Sake Sommeliers® upon completion of the program.
We offer courses
from beginner to
expert level.
Certified Courses
Upon successful completion of courses, students will be awarded a certificate along with the accompanying lapel pin.
Certified Courses
Upon successful completion of courses, students will be awarded a certificate along with the accompanying lapel pin.
partners across 6 continents;
we have reached over ten thousand students
through our expanding network
of educational franchises.
The SSA is delighted to work with
partners across 6 continents; we have
reached over ten thousand students
through our expanding network of
educational franchises.
Our Courses
Thrilled to keep our clients smiling with our sake courses.
Introductory Sake Professional
The Introductory Sake Professional course is the first step to entering the Sake Sommelier world.
Certified Sake Sommelier
The Certified Sake Sommelier is a fantastic way to further expand your career in the sake service industry.
Advanced Sake Sommelier
The Advanced Sake Sommelier course takes place in Japan. This trip offers a unique insider’s view of the country.
Master Sake Sommelier
The Master Sake Sommelier is the world’s highest sake sommelier qualification.
Master Sake Making
Our sake brewer’s qualification offers a full, in brewery, education on how to become a sake brewer.
Our Trainer
Kana Aoyama
Kana Aoyama is SSA Sake educator based in Melbourne.
As she also a certified sake sommelier with a passion for pairing sake with different types of cuisine. She finds joy in discovering new and exciting flavours and experiences through sake. Her mission is to share these experiences with customers and to help create meaningful memories through sake.
She is committed to helping people to explore the world of sake and find the perfect pairings for their meals. She offers sake tastings, sake seminars, and private events to help people discover the delights sake has to offer. Visit her site today to learn more about the experience she can provide.
Kana is helping
people explore the
world of sake
Events
20/05/2026
Kazuki’s: An Immersive Sake & Two-Hat Dining Experience
Join us for an exclusive evening at Kazuki’s, an award-winning two-hatted restaurant renowned for its refined cuisine that blends Japanese sensibility with classic French technique. This immersive dining experience brings together a meticulously curated 5-course menu by Chef Kazuki, paired with a selection of premium sake. Each pairing has been thoughtfully chosen to enhance the depth, […]
30/04/2026
Exclusive Sake Pairing Dinner with Chef Ian Curley
This marks my first collaboration with Chef Ian Curley, a renowned chef with over three decades at the helm of some of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurants, known for his refined European cuisine with classic French foundations, paired with a carefully curated selection of premium sake. For one night only, enjoy a thoughtfully designed 4-course dinner, where each sake […]
17/06/2026
Sake Making Workshop on DOBUROKU
This workshop will provide a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the art and science of sake brewing. Workshop Highlights Who Should Attend?
23/04/2026
Sake x Ghibli Jazz
We are thrilled to announce the return of one of our most popular events, Sake x Ghibli Jazz, happening next month. We will be hosted at the renowned modern Japanese restaurant, KURA. Event Details Date: (Thu) 23rd April Time: 1st session: 6:15pm , 2nd session: 8:15pm Price: $95 (Includes a Totora forest feast set menu […]
29/10/2025
Cantonese Meets Japan
Harmony of Flavours: Cantonese Omakase × Japanese Sake & Shochu..For one night only, DOM will host an exclusive Cantonese omakase × sake & shochu pairing dinner, curated by Sake Sommelier Kana Aoyama of Sakedokoro Namara…DOM is known for its intimate setting and contemporary interpretation of Cantonese cuisine, rooted in memory and tradition..For this collaboration, the […]
19/10/2025
Kura X Third Culture ft. Sake Journey
Nestled in Brunswick East, KURA is a modern Japanese dining space celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and signature use of woodfire & charcoal grilling. For one night only, Chef Ken and the KURA team welcome guest chefs Henry & Alessio for a unique collaboration where heritage meets innovation. Beverage PairingsGuided by Kana Aoyama — SSA-certified […]
Certified Sake Sommelier Course
I had a wonderful time at your class with friends and I have learnt some new things about appreciating sake. I will definitely be visiting in the future.