The Genealogy of Sake: Craftsmanship and Spirit in Noto
Free Talk Event & Sake Tasting
June 28, 2025
Held in conjunction with JFF Theater, this hybrid talk event will focus on Director Kaori Ishii’s documentary, The Genealogy of Sake, now available to stream as part of the online film program.
This session will explore the background of the documentary, which follows the passion and pursuit of perfection by sake brewers in Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture. These artisans engage deeply with the region’s natural environment to craft their ideal brew — ikkon, or a single, perfect cup. The talk will also include Akiko Hakuto, one of the brewers featured in the film. She will discuss the enduring culture of sake brewing, the impact of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and the path toward recovery. The event will be moderated by Melbourne-based sake samurai Simone Maynard.
Following the talk, attendees will have the opportunity to ask the speakers questions in a short Q&A session. In-person attendees will also be able to enjoy a special tasting of sake from the Noto region.
Please note the talk will be conducted in both Japanese and English, with the assistance of an interpreter. The in-person talk event will also be available to view online via livestream on the JPF Sydney Facebook page.
SPEAKERS
Simone Maynard
Sake Mistress
Independent sake consultant, promoter and educator
Simone is based in Melbourne, Australia. She was awarded the honoury title of Sake Samurai in 2022 and is the founder/host of Taste with the Toji the PROJECT (since 2020), along with the sake podcast host of TWTT (Taste with the Toji – The PODCAST). She has been traveling to various locations in Japan since 2003 and spent the best part of 2007 living in Osaka.
Her interest in, and passion for, sake has evolved from a very early fascination with Japanese culture, and over 20 years experience in the food and beverage industry, (with a focus on sake for the decade). Her mission is to share sake stories along with the joy of sake and help promote this unique and delicious beverage, and its rich history, in Australia and beyond.
Kaori Ishii
Filmmaker & Producer
Kaori Ishii is a filmmaker known for her documentaries on Japanese traditional culture and artisanship, which have been screened both in Japan and abroad. She has organised over 50 promotional events of the Okunoto area and 13 local tours to the area as part of regional revitalisation projects by the Ishikawa Prefectural Government. She also actively gives lectures and writes for audiences including entrepreneurs, professionals, and students.
Following the January 1, 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, she opened the screening rights to her two documentaries on Noto and encouraged charitable screenings. Over 230 groups responded, raising more than 14 million yen in donations for the region.
Akiko Hakuto
Hakuto Brewery
Originally from Fukushima, Akiko Hakuto studied brewing at Tokyo University of Agriculture, driven by her passion for fermentation. After working at a startup brewery and training at a renowned sake producer, she now brews sake with her husband, focusing on kōji (malted rice) making. Despite heavy damage to their brewery in the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, they continue their craft with resilience.
Film Stills
EVENT DETAILS
June 28, 2025 (Saturday)
3pm-4:30pm AEST
50mins talk + 10min Q&A + 30 min sake tasting
Onsite & online via Facebook Live (FB account not required). Bookings not required for online viewing.
Free; bookings are required for sake tasting
*You must be over 18 to book. Bookings will open on June 11 at 10am AEST.
VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055
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