Yuri Minami (center), who was crowned 2024 Miss Sake Japan. The Westin Miyako Kyoto, June 7. (©Sankei by Toshihisa Kajihara)
Yuri Minami, 25, was crowned Miss Sake Japan at the finals held in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, in June. Miss Sake is an annual contest where an ambassador is selected to promote sake and Japanese culture both domestically and internationally. Minami, representing Osaka, works as an emcee and singer.
Humor and Elegance
The event, hosted by the general incorporated association Miss Sake based in Tokyo, marked its 11th edition. Eighteen finalists from various regions were chosen from around 1,000 applicants. Each finalist showcased their talents, such as singing and dancing, to express their love for sake.
True to her Osaka roots, Minami incorporated humor into her presentation while passionately expressing her love for sake.
Sake for the World
Before the big day, the finalists attended a training camp together. Minami shared, "I want to carry forward what I've learned and spread the charm of sake and Japanese culture to the world."
Moving forward, Minami will travel within Japan and internationally to promote sake and Japanese culinary culture.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Author: Toshihisa Kajihara, The Sankei Shimbun
