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- photos by guest
Sake has long connected people and has been passed down through time as a symbol of Japan’s culture and spirit.
In this ICC Talk Session, we welcome Toshiyuki Yoshimura, Ph.D., the 16th president of TOSHIMAYA Corporation, a historic sake company founded in 1596 in Edo. TOSHIMAYA opened Japan’s first izakaya (tavern) and has been connecting people through sake for over 400 years, standing as the origin of Japan’s izakaya culture. In this event, you can learn about the history of sake brewing and its deep connections with Shinto rituals and local traditions. The event will also feature a guided tasting of different kinds of sake and a group discussion on the theme of “Sake and Culture”.
Come and experience the connections that are born through sharing sake and discover the charm of a craft that remains an essential part of Japanese life.
Whether you are interested in sake culture, Japanese culture, or intercultural exchange, everyone is welcome to join!
Guest
(photo by guest)
Toshiyuki Yoshimura, Ph.D. President of TOSHIMAYA Corporation
Born in 1959, he graduated from the Master course of the Department of Physics at the Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University in 1985. He joined Hitachi Ltd. in the same year and was assigned to the Central Research Laboratory. He engaged in basic research on semiconductor integrated circuits. He studied abroad at Stanford Business School’s Senior Management Course. He got the Ph.D. on electrical engineering from Kyoto University. After working for strategic management consulting firms in the US, he joined his family business, TOSHIMAYA Corporation in 2001. He has held his current position since 2006. He has continuously been working to propose new value for sake, developing new products, opening new stores, exporting overseas, and more, to the present day.
Cooperation
Date & Time
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, 5:15-6:45pm (Check in from 5:00pm)
Place
Waseda Campus *Details sent to confirmed participants
Eligibility
Waseda Students, Faculty and Staff *20 years old or older before the day of the event
Language
MC: Japanese
Presentation: Japanese (English handouts available)
Q&A: Japanese and English
Social Time: Unrestricted
Fee
Free
Capacity
about 50 people *Lottery results announced on the deadline day
Application
Via this form *Requires MyWaseda login
Deadline
Friday, Dec. 19th, 9:00am
Before Applying
Please read and confirm your understanding of ICC’s policies on Cancellation, Food Allergens, Photography, and Reasonable Accommodations (here).
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