ITALIAN WINE CONQUERS JAPAN: PRINCESS TAKAMADO DECLARES, “ITALIAN WINE HAS THE CLEANEST AND MOST DECISIVE TASTE IN THE WORLD, A FLAVOR THAT REFLECTS THE SINCERITY AND GENEROSITY OF ITS PEOPLE”

According to Princess Takamado Italian wine is a success in Japan because it is “the most sincere and generous in the world”.
The cousin of Emperor Akinito, Hisako Takamado was recently the guest of honor at a reception dedicated to Italian wine in one of the most refined feminine wine events ever held: that of the eight Italian women wine producers visiting Japan in the name of “The Wine of Women”. At the reception offered in the residence of the Italian Ambassador to Japan, Mario Bova, the princess stopped in to taste some of the wines presented together with various regional dishes that best accompanied the wines, and revealed herself to be a true connoisseur. Already known for her love of Europe, where she spent many years with her husband, Hisako Takamado, the princess emphasized, however, that she had a particular interest in Italian enogastronomy. “The wine” – Takamado explained – “I like very much for its clean and decisive tonalities: there are those, as in France, who do produce very elaborate and complex quality, but it is Italian wine that has the cleanest and most decisive taste in the world, a flavor that reflects the sincerity and the generosity of its people”.
When asked what her favorite DOC wine was, Takamado’s response avoided all forms of partiality: “For meals, reds are certainly better, but how does one choose between a Sassicaia and a Brunello di Montalcino? In general, though, I prefer whites, especially the lighter and livelier ones”.

The visit by the group of entrepreneurs, re-baptized the “Onna no Wine”, was organized by the specialized importer Japan European Trade, for the occasion of the “Italian Spring in Japan” event. This event includes a one week stop in Tokyo as well as five other cities, for a series of wine tastings during which the first national Japanese sommelier for Italian wines competition will also take place.
As well as acting as judges in the competition, the eight women wine ambassadors have also decided to patronize an initiative about which Italian president Romano Prodi will also be speaking during his imminent visit to Japan: the institution of a day celebrating Italian wine in the world on June 2nd (also the holiday celebrating the Italian Republic). On this date in Japan, a crystal glass will be offered to those who chose to drink an Italian wine in over 600 participating locations throughout the country.