News Discussion

Osaka's Yuri Minami Crowned 2024 Miss Sake Japan, Spreads Love for Sake with Humor

Yuri Minami, 25, was crowned Miss Sake Japan at the finals held in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, in June. Miss Sake is an annual contest where an ambassador is selected to promote sake and Japanese culture both domestically and internationally. Minami, representing Osaka, works as an emcee and singer.

The event, hosted by the general incorporated association Miss Sake based in Tokyo, marked its 11th edition. Eighteen finalists from various regions were chosen from around 1,000 applicants. Each finalist showcased their talents, such as singing and dancing, to express their love for sake.

True to her Osaka roots, Minami incorporated humor into her presentation while passionately expressing her love for sake.

Before the big day, the finalists attended a training camp together. Minami shared, "I want to carry forward what I've learned and spread the charm of sake and Japanese culture to the world."

Moving forward, Minami will travel within Japan and internationally to promote sake and Japanese culinary culture.

1. 1. be crowned 栄誉を与えられる、優勝する、王座に就く、王冠を授けられる
   They were crowned the best dancers of the year.
2. 2. promote （商品などを）宣伝する・販売促進する、（成長や発展を）促進させる、昇進させる
   The organization works to promote mental health awareness in the community.
3. 3. showcase （目立たせるため・長所を引き出すように）見せる・紹介する・展示する、展示や紹介の場
   The company used the trade fair to showcase their new products.
4. 4. carry forward 前進させる、推進する、繰り越す
   The movement aims to carry forward the fight for social justice and equality.
5. 5. culinary 食、料理の、台所の
   They visited France to experience the country's rich culinary traditions.

1. 1. What is the purpose of the Miss Sake Japan contest?
2. 2. How did Yuri Minami incorporate her Osaka roots into her presentation?
3. 3. What do you think makes sake unique compared to other types of alcoholic beverages?
4. 4. What role do you think ambassadors like Yuri Minami play in promoting cultural traditions?
5. 5. In your opinion, what are some effective ways to introduce Japanese sake and culinary culture to people from other countries?

日本酒と日本文化の魅力を国内外に発信するアンバサダー「Miss SAKE Japan」の最終選考会が、京都市東山区のホテルで開かれ、大阪府代表で司会業・シンガーの南侑里さん（２５）がグランプリに選ばれた。

一般社団法人「Miss SAKE」（東京）が主催し今年で１１回目。この日の最終選考会では応募総数約千人の中から選ばれた各地の代表１８人が歌や踊りなど、それぞれの特技を生かしながら日本酒愛をＰＲした。南さんは大阪の代表らしく随所に笑いをちりばめつつ、日本酒への熱い思いを披露し頂点に立った。

南さんは最終選考会を前に各府県の代表らと過ごした研修合宿に触れ、「この学びを背負って日本酒・日本文化の魅力を世界に広げていきたい」と抱負を述べた。南さんは今後、国内外に足を運び、日本酒や食文化に関するＰＲなどを行う。