Projects
Beyond my writing, photography, and events, over the years, I have created a number of projects and contributed to others that celebrate Japanese sake and the people who make it. From international podcasts and photography exhibitions to educational initiatives and global sake competitions, each project is driven by a shared goal: connecting people through stories, culture, and craftsmanship.
Tokyo Sake Challenge
As Chairman of the Tokyo Sake Challenge, Cindy Bissig is passionate about connecting international sake professionals with sake producers from Japan and around the world. The competition celebrates excellence while providing constructive feedback and greater international visibility for breweries and has introduced new categories to ensure a wider range of producers have the opportunity to participate and be recognised. It also aims to create more opportunities for sake industry professionals worldwide. Learn more about the competition and its mission to support the future of Japanese sake here.
Beyond Sake
Beyond Sake is Cindy Bissig’s long-term documentary photography project exploring the people, places, and communities behind Japanese sake. Through exhibitions, sake tastings, pop-up events, and carefully curated sake pairing dinners, the project brings together photography and real-world experiences to tell the deeper stories behind Japan’s brewing culture, craftsmanship, and regional traditions. Explore the project and discover the people behind the drink and see if there are any upcoming events here.
Sake On Air
Sake on Air is the world’s first podcast dedicated to Japanese sake, shochu, and awamori, made possible through the generous support of the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. Cindy Bissig is one of the regular hosts and serves as a producer, working alongside some of the sake industry's leading professionals to share conversations with brewers, distillers, researchers, and industry professionals. Discover the stories behind Japan’s traditional drinks and explore the latest episodes here.
Doburoku Lovers
As an official Doburoku Ambassador, Cindy Bissig is proud to be part of the Doburoku Lovers team, helping people discover doburoku, the traditional unfiltered drink that many consider to be the origin of modern sake. Through educational events, tastings, and the Doburoku Navigator programme, the project aims to make this unique part of Japan’s fermentation culture more accessible to enthusiasts around the world. Learn more about doburoku and upcoming events here.
Sake Unplugged
Created by Cindy Bissig and Giulia Maglio, Sake Unplugged was a weekly podcast launched during the pandemic to make Japanese sake more approachable, engaging, and fun. Together, Cindy and Giulia explored everything from brewing techniques and regional styles to food pairing, industry trends, and the people shaping the world of sake through relaxed conversations and interviews. Although the podcast is currently on hiatus, its episodes remain a valuable resource for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Japanese sake. Check it out here.