Japan Wine Challenge

May 26, 2011

Japan Wine Challenge

Celebrating wine to produce much-needed water

By

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2011

Last year's Japan Wine Challenge. Courtesy of Japan Wine Challenge.

When you think of the great wine producing regions of the world, Japan is probably not one of the first countries that jump to mind, but the organizers of Japan Wine Challenge want you to know that there are some excellent producers right here at home. The independent wine competition is the largest in Asia and has been working for 14 years to develop wine education and understanding in Japan. Each year, the awards ceremony is capped off with a gala dinner and charity auction. This year, the black-tie affair will be attended by H.I.H. Princess Takamado and the proceeds will go to Wine Into Water, an organization that provides access to clean drinking water. Most of their work is done in the developing world, but they have also provided 200,000 bottles of water to victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Reservations for the event are due by June 30.

Meanwhile, the Tyler Foundation has become the Japanese representative of the Beads of Courage program, providing colorful beads to children fighting cancer as meaningful symbols of courage to commemorate milestones they have achieved along their treatment path. The organization is asking athletes or other people embarking on a challenge to carry a special handmade bead with them that will then be given to a child in need of encouragement. Beadmakers are also encouraged to get involved.