Yuri Iwata: From Opera Singer to Sake Ambassador
The person bringing authentic Japanese sake to Austria, supplying numerous Viennese establishments including "Shiki" (a restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide), "Edomae Sushi Matsuki" (a premium sushi restaurant in Slovakia frequented by food connoisseurs), ramen shops, and aged meat restaurants, is Yuri Iwata, owner of SAKE no BA and a long-standing client of Sakura Sake Shop.
Our business relationship with Ms. Iwata began in 2016, marking nine years of partnership this year.
Originally a professional opera singer, Ms. Iwata was active in Vienna, the city of music. However, during a temporary return to Japan, she was captivated by the exceptional taste of "HOUOUBIDEN" and "KANKOUBAI," which led to her fascination with the world of sake.
After deciding to transition into the sake business, Ms. Iwata visited breweries every time she returned to Japan and obtained qualifications as a Kikisake-shi (sake sommelier) and Austrian wine sommelier. As a professional well-versed in both local and Japanese sake culture, she now conducts educational activities at wine academies and sommelier associations.
SAKE no BA's Sake Business
The quality of sake handled by SAKE no BA has earned top-tier recognition in Europe. Currently, they handle various brands including flagship products sourced through Sakura Sake Shop such as HAKURAKUSEI, SENSHO MASAMUNE, and HIWATA.
The high quality of their sake is evident from the tremendous trust they receive from Michelin-starred restaurants. For example, Restaurant Shiki has been a valued client since Ms. Iwata's time at her previous company, Nipponya.
Through Ms. Iwata's continuous education and proposals, the restaurant has evolved from initially carrying only "HARUSHIKA" to now consistently offering multiple brands.
Additionally, Ms. Iwata's activities have received very high praise from a cultural exchange perspective, including cooperation with numerous receptions.
Partnership with Sakura Sake Shop
To support Ms. Iwata's business success, Sakura Sake Shop has provided continuous support. Since the beginning of our business relationship in 2016, she has thoroughly maintained our policy that "-5°C storage is best for sake."
Ms. Iwata reflects: "When Sakura Sake Shop first taught me that 'sake storage should be at minus 5°C,' that became the only option in my mind."
The assessment that SAKE no BA's quality control is "the best temperature management in Europe" is certainly no exaggeration.
Through our long-standing partnership with Ms. Iwata, we have proposed numerous sake selections and coordinated and accompanied brewery visits. When we visited Vienna for inspection, we were deeply moved to experience sake of such exceptional quality in Europe.
Conclusion
Ms. Iwata's success was not built overnight but is the result of her uncompromising quality control, long-term partnerships with local clients, and deep understanding of local culture and sake.
Moving forward, Sakura Sake Shop will continue to actively support Ms. Iwata so that as many people as possible in Austria can come to love the sake that Japan takes such pride in.
If you're interested in expanding your sake product lineup, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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The importer bringing Japanese sake into Austria, led by Yuri Iwata, who began in 2016. Our partnership with them reaches nine years this year.
Numerous establishments in Vienna, including Shiki, a restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide, Edomae Sushi Matsuki, a premium sushi restaurant in Slovakia, as well as ramen shops and aged meat restaurants.
Nine years, in this case. The range and the venues have grown over that period rather than starting at scale, which is the usual shape of a sake import business that lasts.
Yes. At Sakura Sake Shop we accept sample orders from a single bottle. You can taste the sake and then choose the products before any formal trade.
Yes. We handle reefer containers and temperature-controlled transport. Even with expensive premium sake, you can import without worry.
After we hear about your sales market, we provide a custom quotation matched to your needs.
Yes. Making use of our relationships with the breweries, we can produce sake with an original label.
Our partnership with Yuri Iwata of SAKE no BA reaches nine years this year. They supply Vienna venues including Shiki, in the Michelin Guide, alongside sushi restaurants, ramen shops and aged meat specialists.
The range grew over that period rather than starting at scale. That is the usual shape of a sake import business that lasts.
Looking for a supplier for the long term?
Since its foundation Sakura Sake Shop has specialized in exporting Japanese sake. We have direct trading relationships with 70+ breweries and a track record of exporting to 20+ countries and regions.
✓ Partnerships measured in years, not orders
✓ Range built out gradually as your market develops
✓ Sample orders from a single bottle
✓ Cold chain (−5°C to 5°C) handling
✓ An English-speaking sake specialist to support you
