The Japanese Consulate under Consul General Seiji Okada and his staff marked the start of 2015 with a series of events at the Consul's residence in Vancouver. Held on January 9th, 13th, 16th and 20th, these events included performances by musicians of note and presentations from well-known authors both local and from Japan. The Sake Association of BC also presented their products to the guests to sample during the duration of the event. The Consul's residence, a heritage home in Vancouver's South Oak neighborhood, created the right atmosphere for the tasting highlighted by a variety of cultural and artistic performances. The SABC attended the Shinnenkai in groups of two, with Jizake Japan, Artisan Sakemaker, Blue Note Wine and Spirits, Select Wine and Spirit Merchants, D-Way Beverage Inc., PureSake4U, Axis Planning Inc., That's Life Gourmet and YK3 Sake Producers. Our newest member, Bruce Ashley also participated to ring in the new year. The SABC sends it's thanks and appreciation to Consul Okada and his staff at the embassy.

On Monday, December 8th, 2014, the Japanese Consulate celebrated the Japanese Emperor's Birthday at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel. With over 400 guests in attendance, the guest list included many high profile members of the British Columbia Provincial Government, the City of Vancouver and various professional and industry representatives. The Sake Association of BC members were there to provide a "taste of Japan" with sake sampling throughout the four-hour event. Many there were already avid sake drinkers, and some were new to it. Either way, a good time was had by all attending and the SABC gives it's thanks to the Japanese Consul General and his staff.

Sunday November 16th, 2014 saw the Sake Association of British Columbia present "Sake on the Wine List". Thanks to all those who attended a sake lecture by braving the old morning air of Whistler, British Columbia to come out and listen to presenter Masa Shiroki (of Artisan Sakemaker). From 11:00AM to 12:30PM, guests got the chance to taste a variety of sake from British Columbia and Japan, with Chigusa Poppell (of PureSake4U), Richard Yasushi Ii (of Select Wine and Spirit Merchants, Inc.) and master brewer Yoshiaki Kasugai (of YK3 Sake Brewery) were present to speak on their products and answer questions. 9 different sakes with a variety of flavor profiles were on-hand including some special specialty products:

* Fraser Valley Junmai Sake, Junmai
* Koto Sen Nen, Junmai Daiginjo
* Umi Blu, Ginjo
* Masumi Kippuku Kinju, Junmai Ginjo Yamahai
* Zuiyo Junmai Ginjo, Junmai Ginjo
* Gekkeikan Nigori Sake, Nigori
* Hikomago Junmai Daiginjo, Junmai Daiginjo
* Hakkaisan Sparkling Nigori, Sparkling Nigori
* Yu Junmai All Koji, Junmai

We hope to see everyone again for Cornucopia in 2015, and hopefully, it won't be so early on a Sunday morning.