AdminIn a celebration that blended Japanese tradition with Malaysian hospitality, EQ, in collaboration with JFC Malaysia and the acclaimed Japanese fine-dining restaurant Kampachi, hosted a vibrant Nihonshu no Hi (World Sake Day) event at its award-winning rooftop bar, Sky51. The evening, held on October 1, 2025, marked the beginning of Japan’s traditional sake brewing season, coinciding with the annual rice harvest — a date officially recognised by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) since 1978.
The evening’s festivities were graced by the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, and guided by Hirose Ryuichi, Deputy General Manager of JFC Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. The event’s centrepiece was an international livestream that connected Malaysia’s celebration to simultaneous gatherings across Aomori, Kochi, Ehime, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
At precisely 5:40PM, participants joined a global kanpai! — the traditional Japanese toast — symbolising a shared appreciation for sake worldwide. This marked Malaysia’s second participation in the global broadcast, following its 2024 debut at IPPUDO LaLaport BBCC.
A masterclass in sake and pairings
Guests at Sky51 were treated to an immersive seminar curated by certified sake master Ms Akane Yamada. The session explored the nuances of premium sake varieties and how they harmonise with fine cuisine. The curated lineup featured distinguished labels such as Izumibashi Junmai Ginjo Megumi Blue Label, Hiyashibori (Daiginjo), Deshin Yuki (Junmai Ginjo), and Yoshinosugi Taru Sake.
Representing the renowned 168-year-old Izumibashi brewery from Ebina, Japan, sixth-generation master brewer Yuichi Hashiba joined the event via livestream, sharing the history and philosophy behind his award-winning craft. His Junmai Ginjo Megumi Blue Label, which earned top honours among 824 entries in a 2020 competition, is exclusively imported by Kampachi in Malaysia.
Complementing the drinks was an array of delicate canapés from Kampachi and Sabayon, including daikagu imo (candied sweet potato), smoked salmon tartare, beetroot doughnuts, and chocolate macarons — a reflection of EQ’s commitment to pairing luxury with authenticity.
Elevating Japanese culture in Malaysia
As Malaysia’s oldest Japanese restaurant, Kampachi has long championed the appreciation of sake and Japanese culinary arts in the country. “World Sake Day is an event that has grown from strength to strength,” said Donald Lim, Chief Executive Officer of the Equatorial Group. “Kampachi has been at the forefront of promoting sake and we are very proud to be able to host this event at EQ which is one of the best hotels in the world. Having it livestreamed from Sky51, itself among the Top 5 rooftop bars in Asia, gave this occasion added gravitas.”
EQ’s General Manager, Justin Lee, added, “We take great pleasure in curating events for our guests that pull together fantastic elements that individuals might not themselves have access to. An event like World Sake Day unites people with an appreciation for the best in life, with a master brewer whose ultimate goal is perfection in the sake he produces is one such example.”
The celebration also carried symbolic depth. October, represented by the Japanese character 酉 (tori), originally denoted a sake jar. Thus, World Sake Day is not merely about drinking, but about honouring the centuries-old craftsmanship, culture, and communal spirit that sake embodies.
As the sun set over Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and glasses clinked across continents, Sky51 became more than just a venue — it became a cultural bridge connecting tradition, artistry, and global friendship through the timeless joy of kanpai!
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