About SSA
The Sake Sommelier Association is built on 3 pillars:
Education, Challenge and Competition which cover the
wide range of our activities.
The Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) is the oldest non-Japanese body to provide formal sake education. The SSA is based in London, UK, and for over 20 years we have been fully committed to promoting global education and awareness of sake with exciting projects, such as our Sake Sommelier courses and regional Sake Challenge events. The SSA’s flagship course, the Certified Sake Sommelier, accredits students officially as Sake Sommeliers® upon completion of the program.
We offer courses
from beginner to
expert level.
Certified Courses
Upon successful completion of courses, students will be awarded a certificate along with the accompanying lapel pin.
Certified Courses
Upon successful completion of courses, students will be awarded a certificate along with the accompanying lapel pin.
partners across 6 continents;
we have reached over ten thousand students
through our expanding network
of educational franchises.
The SSA is delighted to work with
partners across 6 continents; we have
reached over ten thousand students
through our expanding network of
educational franchises.
Our Courses
Thrilled to keep our clients smiling with our sake courses.
Introductory Sake Professional
The Introductory Sake Professional course is the first step to entering the Sake Sommelier world.
Certified Sake Sommelier
The Certified Sake Sommelier is a fantastic way to further expand your career in the sake service industry.
Advanced Sake Sommelier
The Advanced Sake Sommelier course takes place in Japan. This trip offers a unique insider’s view of the country.
Master Sake Sommelier
The Master Sake Sommelier is the world’s highest sake sommelier qualification.
Master Sake Making
Our sake brewer’s qualification offers a full, in brewery, education on how to become a sake brewer.
Our Trainer
Kana Aoyama
Kana Aoyama is SSA Sake educator based in Melbourne.
As she also a certified sake sommelier with a passion for pairing sake with different types of cuisine. She finds joy in discovering new and exciting flavours and experiences through sake. Her mission is to share these experiences with customers and to help create meaningful memories through sake.
She is committed to helping people to explore the world of sake and find the perfect pairings for their meals. She offers sake tastings, sake seminars, and private events to help people discover the delights sake has to offer. Visit her site today to learn more about the experience she can provide.
Kana is helping
people explore the
world of sake
Events
29/10/2025
Cantonese Meets Japan
Harmony of Flavours: Cantonese Omakase × Japanese Sake & Shochu..For one night only, DOM will host an exclusive Cantonese omakase × sake & shochu pairing dinner, curated by Sake Sommelier Kana Aoyama of Sakedokoro Namara…DOM is known for its intimate setting and contemporary interpretation of Cantonese cuisine, rooted in memory and tradition..For this collaboration, the […]
19/10/2025
Kura X Third Culture ft. Sake Journey
Nestled in Brunswick East, KURA is a modern Japanese dining space celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and signature use of woodfire & charcoal grilling. For one night only, Chef Ken and the KURA team welcome guest chefs Henry & Alessio for a unique collaboration where heritage meets innovation. Beverage PairingsGuided by Kana Aoyama — SSA-certified […]
01/10/2025
Kanpai World Sake Day 2025
-Sake Meets Aussie –This World Sake Day, join us at Sakedokoro Namara for a truly one-night-only celebration of Japanese sake and Australian produce!Immerse yourself in a culinary and cultural journey where the elegance of sake meets the vibrant flavours of Australia..Kick off the evening with a spectacular Sake Tower Toast at 7pm – a sparkling […]
17/09/2025
A Taste Journey Across Japan
From the elegant aroma of ginjo sake to the umami depth of matcha, each pairing will take you to a different corner of Japan’s rich culinary landscape.An Exclusive CollaborationThis dual pairing is rarely seen — an exclusive event that celebrates the best of Japan’s food and drink culture.This evening will feature a seasonal multi-course Japanese […]
16/09/2025
YAN x Kana Aoyama: Smoke + Sake
First in our Spring Collaboration series, we are bringing you an everything that celebrates two of our favourite things: Smoke and Sake.Join us at 6:30pm on Tuesday 16 September for YAN x Kana Aoyama: Smoke + Sake. A one night only dining experience guided by Yan’s own Joel Lee and certified Sake Sommelier Kana Aoyama […]
03/09/2025
A Gourmet Voyage -Kazuki’s x SAKE
Embark on an unforgettable night of fine Japanese cuisine and premium sake.Savour a 5-course dinner + dessert, curated by award-winning Chef Kazuki Tsuya, perfectly paired with exclusive sake selections from Sakedokoro Namara, served by certified Sake Sommelier Kana Aoyama
Certified Sake Sommelier Course
I had a wonderful time at your class with friends and I have learnt some new things about appreciating sake. I will definitely be visiting in the future.