American Sake – Weston Konishi

In Episode #84, we are joined by Weston Konishi, President of the Sake Brewers Association of North America (SBANA). We discuss:

• How a long stint in Japan led to a passion for sake
• Weston's work with the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
• The U.S.-Japan relationship
• Fumio Kishida's ascension to Japan's premiership
• How craft beer paved the way for sake in America
• SBANA's mission
• What the future holds for the U.S. sake industry
• Listening, and watching recommendations from:
  • Weston
    • Sake Recs:
      • Narutotai Ginjo Nama Genshu Sake
      • Dassai 45 Dassai Junmai Daiginjo
      • Domestic sake brewers
    • Kampai! For the Love of Sake (Amazon Prime)
    • The Birth of Saké (Amazon Prime)
  • Jonathan
    • "A ninja with a sword assailed a U.S. Army special operations unit in California," NPR, by Bill Chappell
  • Fred
    • Searching For Sugar Man (Amazon Prime)

We’ll see you next week for another exciting and informative episode when we sit down with Elena Sychenko, from Saint Petersburg State University in Russia!