Kanpai! A Saké Tasting Tour of Japan
VIEW EVENT DETAILSA Japan-Texas Sister Cities event in partnership with the U.S.–Japan Council, Genji Sake, and Mutual Trading
Schedule
Friday, June 6, 2025
5–8 p.m. Saké Tasting and Light Bites Social
For more than 2,000 years, saké has been deeply intertwined with the history and culture of Japan. Crafted through a meticulous brewing process, saké was used during religious or formal ceremonies but has become an integral part of weddings, celebrations, and everyday life.
As the popularity of saké outside of Japan has boomed in recent years, exports to the U.S. doubled between 2012 and 2022. With this increasing interest comes new opportunities to explore the drink's various varieties, production techniques, and uses.
Join Asia Society Texas, the U.S.–Japan Council, Genji Saké, and Mutual Trading to celebrate the diverse world of Japanese saké. At this evening tasting event, sample a dozen different varieties while industry experts share the brewing techniques and tasting notes. Appetizers from local restaurants and vendors will be served, as well as fun activities such as origami samurai hat crafting, Gacha ball surprises, lucky Japanese coin necklace crafting, selfies with Mt. Fuji, and more.
Guests must be ages 21 and up and will be required to show valid I.D. upon entry.
Asia Society hosts today's leading voices, providing commentary on events in news, society, and culture. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect Asia Society views.
Business and Policy programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by Bank of America, Muffet Blake, and ExxonMobil. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, The Brown Foundation, Inc., and Houston Endowment Inc. Generous funding provided by bp America, Inc, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Regions Bank, and Stephanie and Frank Tsuru. Additional support is provided by the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in public programming.
Business & Policy Presenting Sponsors



Program Partners





Vuji Café
Tokyo Story
Yasuhiko and Akemi Saitoh Foundation
Japan Series Sponsor

About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
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Event Details
1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, Texas 77004
713.496.9901