“The Niigata Sake-no-Jin 2012,” Japan’s largest Sake event, was held for the eighth time on March 17 and 18 in Niigata City. The Toki Messe Convention Center, where the festival took place, was crowded with visitors who welcomed its resumption, for it was suspended by the Great East Japan Earthquake last year. Over 500 kinds of Niigata’s local sake recognized not only nationwide but also overseas were offered for tasting and purchase.

 A number of foreigners were seen visiting the festival which has recently been drawing increasing attention from the world. Greater expansion of overseas market for Niigata’s local sake is expected with its growing export.