On April 20, 2022, the Japan Winery Award Association and CruX Inc., a company engaged in Japanese wine media, education, and distribution businesses, jointly launched the "Japanese Wine Examination: Japanese Wine Master and Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Exam."
This exam represents a revamp—in both name and content—of the "Japanese Wine Examination," which had been temporarily suspended since December 2019.
Here, we introduce the "Japanese Wine Examination: Japanese Wine Master and Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Exam."
About the Japanese Wine Examination
The Japanese Wine Examination is a certification exam that began in April 2011 to spread correct knowledge and raise awareness of Japanese wine.
Although it drew attention as the only certification exam dedicated to Japanese wine, it had been suspended since December 2019 following the cessation of activities by its organizing body.
However, the Japan Winery Award Association has now newly become the organizing body (Japanese Wine Examination Committee), and CruX Inc. has taken on the role of operating company (Japanese Wine Examination Committee Secretariat).
The previous name "Japanese Wine Examination" was also changed to the "Japanese Wine Examination: Japanese Wine Master and Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Exam," resuming in April 2022.
This certification exam aims to increase the number of "ambassadors for Japanese wine" and contribute to the sustainable growth of the Japanese wine industry.
With its resumption, eligibility requirements, exam questions, and benefits for certified qualification holders have all been completely revamped.
About the Revamped Content
Below is a summary of what has been revamped for the restart of the new Japanese Wine Examination.
Complete Revision of the Textbook and Exam Questions
Reflecting recent trends in Japanese wine and aligning with the current reality, the exam's official textbook, "The Textbook of Japanese Wine" (Shibata Publishing Co., Ltd.), as well as the written (CBT) exam questions, have been thoroughly revised.
In addition, the tasting exam—which previously asked questions only about "grape varieties" in the former "Japanese Wine Examination Level 1"—has also been reconsidered.
Following the restart, the "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Master Qualification Certification Exam (Japanese Wine Examination Level 1)" features questions covering "appearance," "aroma," "taste," and "grape variety," changing to a format that more thoroughly evaluates overall Japanese wine tasting proficiency.
Expansion of Eligibility Requirements
Along with the resumption, the eligibility requirements have also been updated.
The eligibility requirement for the "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Exam (Japanese Wine Examination Level 2)," previously limited to "passers of the Japanese Wine Examination Level 3," has been expanded.
Added candidates include: individuals with at least 1 year of work experience at a winery or wine grape grower for Japanese wine; individuals with at least 2 years of work experience in businesses involved in the sale of Japanese wine, such as wine retailers (alcoholic beverage wholesalers/retailers) or restaurants; J.S.A. credential holders (Sommelier, Wine Expert); and WSET credential holders (Level 3 or higher).
Furthermore, for the "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Master Qualification Certification Exam (Japanese Wine Examination Level 1)," "WSET Level 4 Diploma holders" have been newly added alongside the existing requirement of "passers of the Japanese Wine Examination Level 2."
Establishment of New Titles
Previously, the use of the title "Japanese Wine Master" was reserved exclusively for those who passed the Japanese Wine Examination Level 1.
Following the restart, however, successful candidates of the "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Exam (Japanese Wine Examination Level 2)" are permitted to use the title "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Advisor," and successful candidates of the "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Master Qualification Certification Exam (Japanese Wine Examination Level 1)" are permitted to use the title "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Master."
Issuance of Certification Badges
Certification badges will now be issued to those certified as "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Advisor" and "J.W.E.C. Japanese Wine Master."
The primary reason for issuing certification badges this time is the hope that they will serve as a mark that gives buyers greater peace of mind when purchasing or ordering Japanese wine at liquor retail shops and dining establishments.
Wearing the certification badge is sure to boost trust from buyers as well.
Comment from Mr. Risaburo Endo!
We received a comment from Mr. Risaburo Endo, Representative Director of the Japan Winery Award Association, which organizes this exam.
"Right now, Japanese wine is fascinating. Since entering the 21st century, improvements in quality have been remarkable, numerous new wineries have been established, and that momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Today, wineries exist all across the country, making it easy to visit them on days off. Moreover, Japanese wine pairs exceptionally well with Japanese cuisine, making it an everyday, accessible presence. There's simply no reason not to enjoy it.
Enjoying wine is similar to music. There are wines where it's fine just to drink and get intoxicated, like karaoke where you can have fun singing whether you're good or bad. On the other hand, just like classical music (which can certainly be enjoyed simply by listening), by studying just a little bit—who composed it, in what historical context, with what feelings, which orchestra performed it, and who the conductor is and how they interpret it—there are wines you can enjoy on an even deeper level.
Wine is the same. It's a waste to simply drink it without knowing anything. By studying just a little—what wineries exist in each region, the history of Japanese wine, and how wine is made—wine becomes so much more enjoyable. Let's learn about the Japanese wine around us and enjoy the wonderful world of Japanese wine to the fullest!"
In recent years, the number of Japanese wine producers has been increasing year after year, with over 400 wineries across Japan in recent counts.
Not only native Japanese grape varieties, but also hybrid and international varieties are being cultivated, resulting in wines with a wide diversity of flavors.
On the other hand, Japanese wine accounts for only about 5% of wine consumption within Japan, meaning it is still difficult to say it is widely recognized by the general public.
In order to raise awareness and expand consumption of Japanese wine, it is necessary to introduce Japanese wine to as many people as possible.
That is precisely why "ambassadors for Japanese wine" are needed today to broaden the base of Japanese wine enthusiasts.
Why not take this opportunity to sit for the "Japanese Wine Examination: Japanese Wine Master and Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Exam" and aim to become an "ambassador for Japanese wine"?
<Reference Web Pages>
■ Japanese Wine Examination: Japanese Wine Master and Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Exam Website
https://nihonwine.jp/kentei/
■ Japanese Wine Examination Written (CBT) Exam Application
https://nihonwine.jp/kentei/papertest.html
■ Japanese Wine Examination Tasting Exam Application
https://nihonwine.jp/kentei/taisting.html
■ Japanese Wine Examination Japanese Wine Master and Japanese Wine Advisor Qualification Certification Application
https://nihonwine.jp/kentei/nintei.html
■ Japanese Wine Examination Official Textbook "The Textbook of Japanese Wine" (Shibata Publishing Co., Ltd.)
https://www.shibatashoten.co.jp/sp/detail.php?bid=01545000
Japan Winery Award Association
https://www.japan-winery-award.jp/
CruX Inc.
https://www.crux-wine.com