Join Weston Konishi, President of the Sake Brewers Association of North America, for a night of sake tasting in Pittsburgh!

As more people outside of Japan learn about sake, more are venturing into the process - and business - of brewing it. The Sake Brewers Association of North America (SBANA) is the oldest, largest sake trade association outside of Japan, bringing together sake breweries, distributors, rice farmers, and enthusiasts to promote and expand the enjoyment of this storied beverage. 

Weston will guide attendees through an overview of the history of breweries and specialty rice growers in North America, its fascinating production process, and explore tasting and pairing options.

Join the JASP for this free evening on February 5, 2026. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided. 

Weston Konishi is President of the Sake Brewers Association of North America. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of U.S.-Japan relations, with a focus on the political and diplomatic ties between the two nations. As Director of Partnerships and Development at the U.S.-Japan Council, Wes worked closely with a broad range of Japanese and U.S.-based companies on development strategies and expanding the organization’s corporate membership base. His appreciation for sake evolved during his eight years living in Tokyo, Japan as a graduate student and researcher. In 2014, he completed the Sake Professional Course with John Gauntner. He has subsequently written about sake and the challenges and opportunities for the industry in the United States. He is a member of the Japan Commerce Association of Washington, DC and the Mansfield Foundation’s U.S.-Japan Network for the Future. A Native New Yorker, he lives in Baltimore, MD with his wife and three cats.