Events

September was meant to be our last event of the year, but thanks to your amazing support and the incredible response, we’re back for ONE LAST TIME in Melbourne this year! Join us for an evening of beautiful Studio Ghibli songs reimagined with jazz, featuring Nana Koizumi (vocals & trumpet) and Russell Tay (piano)! Enjoy a special set menu by KURA, paired with carefully selected sake presented by Kana, Sake Sommelier. And this time, we’re adding a little Christmas magic to the mix! SAKE TRIVIA & A LITTLE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE! Think you know your sake? Join our Sake Trivia for a chance to win a bottle of sake or a KURA voucher! Ready to test your sake knowledge? You might just win yourself a little Christmas treat! Date: Thursday, 26 November 2026 Time: Session 1: 6:15pm–8:00pm Session 2: 8:15pm–10:00pm KURA, Melbourne (Shop 1/22-30 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057) Let’s wrap up the year with beautiful music, great sake, Christmas vibes and wonderful company. This is truly our LAST SAKE × GHIBLI JAZZ EVENT OF 2026, so don’t miss out! Spots are limited — book now and celebrate with us!

Join us at Tano Spirits on Sunday, 1st November 2026 for a relaxed, flavour-packed afternoon exploring Japan’s legendary koji traditions, side by side. Beginning with a refreshing Yuzushu highball on arrival, guests will be treated to a guided masterclass presented by two industry leaders. Tano head distiller Fletcher Anderson will reveal how honkaku shochu, awamori, and sake differ in their fermentation and distillation, exploring grain selection, single-pot distillation, and the distinct roles of white, yellow, and black koji cultures. Then, SSA Certified Sake Sommelier Educator Kana Aoyama (Sake Journey) will lead a deep dive into the world of sake, guiding you through tasting methodology, aroma profiles, texture, and regional nuances. Throughout the afternoon, you will sip your way through a curated six-pour flight featuring three artisan sakes selected by Kana and three craft shochu expressions from Tano Spirits. Next comes the pairing workshop: taste rich French Comté and brie alongside small dishes of shio koji, fermented miso, and aged soy sauce. Dip, sip, and contrast to discover how umami and salt alter the personality of both cheese and drink. This event also marks the official release of two exclusive Tano spirits: our Northcote-crafted Awamori (made from 100% Indica jasmine rice and black koji) and Imocha (a limited-edition sweet potato and green tea shochu blend). Your Ticket Includes: Note: Seated capacity is strictly limited. The pairing contains dairy, soy, gluten, and seafood; please note any dietary requirements during checkout. Full details and bookings via the link or visit Tano Spirits’ website. https://www.tanospirits.com/visit/events/sake-x-shochu-koji-and-fermentation-magic-2026-10-08

Enjoy an evening of golf, sake and good company. LONGEST DRIVE CHALLENGE Think you can hit the longest drive?The player who sends their ball the furthest wins a bottle of sake! No need to be a serious golfer. Beginners are very welcome. Just bring yourself, grab a club, enjoy some sake and have a hit! Booking: email to kana@sake-journey.com

Celebrate World Sake Day with us at Hisoka for a special evening dedicated to the beauty, craftsmanship and culture of sake. Traditionally, 1 October marked the beginning of the sake brewing season in Japan.  We will celebrate World Sake Day on 1 October with a special evening dedicated to the rich culture, craftsmanship and tradition of Japanese sake. Join us for an evening of exceptional sake, Japanese flavours and good company and raise a glass with us to celebrate this special day. Bring your favourite sake cup and enjoy the evening your way Bookings: WhatsApp 0433 043 338 (Mayumi-san)

Join us for a special edition of our Sake & Jazz series at KURA Robata & Sake. While our events usually feature the enchanting sounds of Ghibli Jazz, this time we’re taking a nostalgic journey into the world of City Pop. Smooth grooves, neon city lights, and the soundtrack of Japan’s golden era. Details:Location: Maven by Morgan, FitzroyDate: Thursday, 23rd July 2026Time: 6:15 PM & 8:15 PMPrice: $95 per person (Glass of sake and City Lights Teishoku)

Join us for a special evening featuring 8 exceptional Shichiken sakes, including the IWC Champion Sake, paired with a specially curated menu by Maven by Morgan. We’re also excited to welcome a special guest from Yamanashi Meijo Brewery, joining us from Japan to share the story w craftsmanship behind Shichiken. Let’s raise a glass together with the Champion Sake! Details: Location: Maven by Morgan, Fitzroy Date: Tuesday, 7th July 2026  Time: From 6:30 PM 

Sake and Truffle? Absolutely.  It might not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but once you experience it, it makes perfect sense. Join us on Thursday 2 July from 6:30pm for a special evening celebrating the extraordinary harmony between Australian Black Winter truffles and artisanal Japanese sake. Details: Location: Baix, Brighton Date: Thursday, 2nd July 2026 Time: From 6:30 PM Price: $185 per person 

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, balance, and elegance of every dish—highlighting the harmony between Japanese flavours and modern fine dining. Guided throughout the evening, you will explore the stories, craftsmanship, and unique characteristics behind each sake, creating a deeper appreciation of how sake can elevate a dining experience. For one night only, this collaboration offers a rare opportunity to experience sake and cuisine at a two-hat level—where precision, creativity, and balance come together in an unforgettable journey.

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 pairing has been selected to elevate and complement the flavours of Chef Ian’s dishes.  Together, they create a distinctive and unforgettable dining experience—exploring flavours, balance, and harmony in a way rarely experienced elsewhere.

This workshop will provide a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the art and science of sake brewing. Workshop Highlights Who Should Attend?

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 with a glass of sake and delightful live Ghibli jazz) This event is always a sell-out, and it’s no surprise why. It’s not just a meal; it’s an unforgettable experience of culinary delight and musical enchantment.  Join us for a special lunch that promises to be memorable and unique. Don’t miss your spot! Secure your place for this extraordinary afternoon by booking early. We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you.