Fuminobu (Fumi) Nakatani is believed to be the first and only New Zealand professional to be awarded an international qualification in saké from the London-based Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Nakatani, manager of award winning Japanese robata restaurant and bar MASU by Nic Watt at SKYCITY Auckland, has recently achieved the WSET’s Level 3 Award in Saké. The 43-year-old achieved the qualification with a distinction pass rate, and plans to use it to raise the profile of saké and saké culture in New Zealand. “Building and sharing the knowledge about saké is a goal I share with Nic-san and the team at MASU. We are already starting to see an interest in saké which is why MASU celebrated ‘saké month’ in honour of the beverage in October 2016,” Nakatani said. Chef restaurateur Nic Watt says everyone at the restaurant is incredibly proud of Nakatani’s achievement. “It's testament to his commitment to MASU and furthering the knowledge and awareness of Japanese culture in Auckland’s dining community."
FOR SAKÉS SAKE
