The final quarter of the year is soon to arrive. And on the very first day of the season on Oct 1 marks World Sake Day.
Designated by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) due to the date’s traditional significance as the start of the sake production calendar, the day now serves more as a reminder to appreciate sake culture and to encourage greater understanding of the alcoholic beverage.
To celebrate the occasion in Singapore, the very first World Sake Day Global Kampai Party is taking place this year. The biggest kampai party to take place on Oct 1, expect festival vibes aplenty, lots of food and drink, and the highlight – a livestream kampai with Japan – to be taking place at Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza.
Co-organised by Sake Matsuri Singapore, JSS, JETRO Singapore and Ka-EN Grill and Sushi Bar, the party will kickstart a sake jubilee that will last for another two weeks following the World Sake Day revelry.
To be part of the festivities, simply grab a ticket (S$30) online. This entitles you entry to the World Sake Day Global Kampai Party, two complimentary pours of sake at the outdoor Mini Sake Bar, a limited edition Riedel glassware, a limited edition ochoko cup with complimentary sake, and a S$10 voucher usable at Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar’s festival booth.
While the event runs from 4pm-8pm, make sure to get settled in by 5.30pm. That’s when the Kagami Biraki, or sake barrel breaking ceremony, will begin. It then leads straight to the livestream with Japan, where everyone will take part in an international kampai in unison.
Those looking for more can opt for the sake pairing dinner happening at Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar, located right beside festival grounds, from 7pm. For S$50, get a full meal which includes a main, side, and sake that pairs perfectly with the food.
Beyond the World Sake Day Global Kampai Party on Oct 1, the following two weeks will see 10 different Japanese restaurants around town offer amazing sake deals to keep the libations flowing.
Popular venues like Tanuki Raw will be coming up with exclusive sake cocktails in celebration, while crowd favourites Shinsora and Standing Sushi Bar are offering a discounted price for your second bottle of sake purchased. Meanwhile, places the likes of Sushi Yuki and Izakaya Yoppi are coming up with sake flights.
Or head to craft sake haunt Omu Nomu for a complimentary first glass of sake by flashing their IG post/story about the festival. They are offering a 10% discount on sake bottles throughout the two weeks too. Folks can also check out Haji Lane stalwart Good Luck Beerhouse to go to for local nosh to go with your sake imbibing.
Still want more? Then mark your calendars for 3-5 Nov. That’s when the next edition of Sake Matsuri Singapore will take place (tickets are already on sale here). This time, it’s taking over the outdoor plaza space at Paya Lebar Quarter. Expect a wide showcase of sakes and Japanese spirits, including seasonal releases, competition-winning expressions, as well as new-to-Singapore bottlings.
Grab tickets while you can. You won’t want to miss out on the largest kampai party to be happening this World Sake Day at Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza from 4pm-8pm.
Head to their website to find out more about the World Sake Day Global Kampai Party. Non ticket holders can also show up 5.30pm at the Outdoor Plaza to join in the festivities without any entitlements.
Sponsored by JETRO Singapore