What is SAKURA AWARDS?
The Biggest International Wine Competition in Asia
Message from Yumi Tanabe, president of “SAKURA” Japan Women’s Wine Awards
“SAKURA” Japan Women’s Wine Awards, which aims to “find wines that go well with Japanese food culture”, “increase wine consumption”, and “expand opportunities for women in the wine industry” received 4,222 entries from 28 countries this year.
This shows the high expectations producers have for the Japanese market. With the expansion of consumption, the number of occasions to enjoy wine at home is on the rise.
The “Sakura Award winning medal sticker” on wine bottles in stores is a sign of good wine selected by Japanese female judges, and the evaluation of the wine as “suitable for home cooking and reassuring” is increasing year by year.
“SAKURA” Japan Women’s Wine Awards will continue to take on new challenges and move forward into the future.
Trade Only - Female Blind Judging Panel
This competition has been judged exclusively by female wine specialists, namely sommeliers, winemakers, wine school educators, journalists, restaurant and beverage directors, retail store buyers, importers and distributors.
The 10th “SAKURA” Japan Women’s Wine Awards
In 2023, the total entry of 4,222 wines were entered from 28 countries. This unique competition evaluating wines from all over the world from a woman’s perspective has garnered interest globally and has set a new precedent for wine competitions.
The 100 point scale was used for selecting Double Gold, Gold and Silver medals.
Our mission consists of three pillars; 
Our judges are female experts who lead broad range of wine industries in Japan. Sommeliers, producers, school instructors, journalists, importers, distributors and sales, they are all active female professionals in wine industries.
Many wine distributors join us as registered sales partners and help promote the Award winning wines broadly with the full understanding of our activity. Through distribution, retail and whole sales, they are contributing the sales of the awarded wines throughout Japan. The registration is free of charge.
Diamond, Double Gold, Gold and Silver medal stickers are available through our partner company "TENPRINT., Ltd.". They help highlight the award that the wine has earned on the shelves and in various internet shopping sites.