Saving Sake: From Sommelier to Cultural Ambassador
Born into the Kitava brewery family in Yame City, Kazuhiro Kinoshita grew up surrounded by the heritage and traditions of Japanese sake, particularly that of the Fukuoka Prefecture. His journey began in Singapore, where he became the city’s first sake sommelier, introducing diners to the nuances of sake and its cultural significance. Later, his path took him to New York, where he hosted hundreds of sake-pairing events that brought the spirit of Japan to new audiences. Yet, Kaz’s heart remained tied to his roots, and he eventually returned to Japan with a renewed purpose: to preserve and revitalize Yame’s sake culture, ensuring it thrives for future generations.
Deeply committed to Yame and the legacy of its brewing techniques, Kaz believes that sake embodies more than just flavor—it holds the stories, people, and landscape of his home. His work bridges the traditions of Yame with a modern, global audience, making sake not only a beverage to be appreciated but an experience to be celebrated.
The Art of Sake, Made Accessible
With a natural talent for sharing his love of sake, Kaz has redefined the role of sommelier as a de facto ambassador for Yame and its brewing culture. Known by his alter ego, “Kinohachi, Headmaster of the Sake School,” Kaz combines expert knowledge with humor and theatrical performance to break down barriers around sake, making it accessible and enjoyable.
Through sake seminars with restaurants all over Japan, including Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, Kaz demonstrates sake's culinary versatility to pair exquisitely with not only Japanese cuisine, but also Italian, French, Korean, and other international cuisines. These seminars bring together everything from the fundamentals of brewing to exploring regional flavor profiles, inviting novices, enthusiasts and restauranteurs to discover and connect with sake—and each other—on a deeper level.
Sake Seminars: International Edition
Kaz’s mission is simple: to spread the love of sake far and wide by showcasing the flavors, history, and traditions of Yame. He offers exclusive sake-themed workshops and experiences, from private tastings and culinary events to seminars designed to engage dinners and promote new lines of business for restaurants.
For Collective members, Kaz offers a journey into the heart of Japan’s sake heritage—celebrating the vibrancy of Yame while creating an unforgettable sake experience.
Sign up for CC Collective newsletter to stay up to date on an immersive tour to Yame in March of 2025
