【NEWS】Taking Saitama's sake to the world. The "2026 Miss SAKE Saitama Competition" is finally happening at Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine on February 28!

The "2026 Miss SAKE Saitama Competition," a contest to select ambassadors promoting the appeal of Saitama's local sake and Japanese culture, will finally be held on Saturday, February 28th.

■ The Stage for the Saitama Competition: Omiya Hikawa Shrine

Now in its second year, the Saitama Competition will be held at Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (Kuretake-so), boasting over 2,000 years of history. Finalists with ties to local breweries and communities within the prefecture will compete with their intelligence and beauty to convey the profound appeal of Saitama's local sake and the culture that supports it to the next generation and the world.

■ The Six Selected Finalists

Six diverse finalists, varying in age and occupation, who successfully passed rigorous auditions have been announced.

As part of the "Pre-Nadeshiko Program," they have deepened their knowledge of Saitama's sake through experiences including brewery tours within the prefecture, hands-on brewing sessions, and kimono dressing practice.

* Selection Criteria: Beyond mere physical beauty, candidates are judged on their deep passion for sake, as well as the "international sensibility" and "intellect" required to represent Saitama Prefecture on the world stage.

■ Event Overview

The Grand Prix winner selected on the day will represent Saitama Prefecture at the "2026 Miss SAKE Japan Final Selection" held in Kyoto in June.