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
01/11/2026
Sake x Shochu: Celebration of International Shochu & Awamori Day
Join us at Tano Spirits on Sunday, 1st November 2026 for a relaxed, flavour-packed afternoon exploring Japan’s legendary koji traditions, side by side. Beginning with a refreshing Yuzushu highball on arrival, guests will be treated to a guided masterclass presented by two industry leaders. Tano head distiller Fletcher Anderson will reveal how honkaku shochu, awamori, and sake differ in their fermentation and distillation, exploring grain selection, single-pot distillation, and the distinct roles of white, yellow, and black koji cultures. Then, SSA Certified Sake Sommelier Educator Kana Aoyama (Sake Journey) will lead a deep dive into the world of sake, guiding you through tasting methodology, aroma profiles, texture, and regional nuances. Throughout the afternoon, you will sip your way through a curated six-pour flight featuring three artisan sakes selected by Kana and three craft shochu expressions from Tano Spirits. Next comes the pairing workshop: taste rich French Comté and brie alongside small dishes of shio koji, fermented miso, and aged soy sauce. Dip, sip, and contrast to discover how umami and salt alter the personality of both cheese and drink. This event also marks the official release of two exclusive Tano spirits: our Northcote-crafted Awamori (made from 100% Indica jasmine rice and black koji) and Imocha (a limited-edition sweet potato and green tea shochu blend). Your Ticket Includes: Note: Seated capacity is strictly limited. The pairing contains dairy, soy, gluten, and seafood; please note any dietary requirements during checkout. Full details and bookings via the link or visit Tano Spirits’ website. https://www.tanospirits.com/visit/events/sake-x-shochu-koji-and-fermentation-magic-2026-10-08
22/10/2026
SAKE × GOLF
Enjoy an evening of golf, sake and good company. LONGEST DRIVE CHALLENGE Think you can hit the longest drive?The player who sends their ball the furthest wins a bottle of sake! No need to be a serious golfer. Beginners are very welcome. Just bring yourself, grab a club, enjoy some sake and have a hit! Booking: email to kana@sake-journey.com
01/10/2026
WORLD SAKE DAY / Kanpai Night
Celebrate World Sake Day with us at Hisoka for a special evening dedicated to the beauty, craftsmanship and culture of sake. Traditionally, 1 October marked the beginning of the sake brewing season in Japan. We will celebrate World Sake Day on 1 October with a special evening dedicated to the rich culture, craftsmanship and tradition of Japanese sake. Join us for an evening of exceptional sake, Japanese flavours and good company and raise a glass with us to celebrate this special day. Bring your favourite sake cup and enjoy the evening your way Bookings: WhatsApp 0433 043 338 (Mayumi-san)
23/07/2026
Sake x City Pop Jazz Vol.14
Join us for a special edition of our Sake & Jazz series at KURA Robata & Sake. While our events usually feature the enchanting sounds of Ghibli Jazz, this time we’re taking a nostalgic journey into the world of City Pop. Smooth grooves, neon city lights, and the soundtrack of Japan’s golden era. Details:Location: Maven by Morgan, FitzroyDate: Thursday, 23rd July 2026Time: 6:15 PM & 8:15 PMPrice: $95 per person (Glass of sake and City Lights Teishoku)
07/07/2026
Champion Sake Night
Join us for a special evening featuring 8 exceptional Shichiken sakes, including the IWC Champion Sake, paired with a specially curated menu by Maven by Morgan. We’re also excited to welcome a special guest from Yamanashi Meijo Brewery, joining us from Japan to share the story w craftsmanship behind Shichiken. Let’s raise a glass together with the Champion Sake! Details: Location: Maven by Morgan, Fitzroy Date: Tuesday, 7th July 2026 Time: From 6:30 PM
02/07/2026
Sake and Truffle Dinner
Sake and Truffle? Absolutely. It might not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but once you experience it, it makes perfect sense. Join us on Thursday 2 July from 6:30pm for a special evening celebrating the extraordinary harmony between Australian Black Winter truffles and artisanal Japanese sake. Details: Location: Baix, Brighton Date: Thursday, 2nd July 2026 Time: From 6:30 PM Price: $185 per person
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.