News

In September 2025, the Shibataya Group established a new overseas branch of Shibataya Sake Shop in Melbourne, Australia. This is the fourth overseas location, following Bangkok (Thailand), Milan (Italy), and Seoul (South Korea).

Operations are led locally by Kenichi Imaya and Akito Kurokawa, who are dedicated to promoting Japanese sake and traditional Japanese alcohol while supporting the overseas expansion of Japan’s foodservice industry.

Notably, Mr. Kurokawa was selected as a “Sake Samurai” in 2025, actively contributing to the international promotion of Japanese sake.

The Shibataya Group continues to take on new challenges as a bridge connecting Japanese and global food culture through Japanese sake.