“Her legacy is measured not only in the lives she touched, but in the generations of sake professionals she inspired, trained, and mentored.
彼女の功績は、彼女が触れた数多くの人々の人生のみならず、その薫陶を受け、育成され、導かれた幾世代にもわたる酒のプロフェッショナルたちによって受け継がれています”
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Satomi Okubo Dosseur
大久保里美・ドサーさんを偲んで
このたび、酒業界において卓越した功績を残され、多くの人々に敬愛された大久保里美さんがご逝去されました。
ここに謹んで哀悼の意を表するとともに、そのご生涯と功績を偲びたいと思います。
里美さんは、愛情深い母親であり、妻であり、信頼される友人であり、多くの人々を導いた教育者でした。そして何よりも、日本酒文化を世界へ広めることに生涯を捧げた、日本酒業界を代表する存在でした。
20年以上にわたり、日本酒の魅力や価値を伝え続け、多くの酒類専門家を育成し、日本酒への理解と appreciation を国際的に広げることに大きく貢献しました。その知識と情熱は、教え子や同僚、業界関係者をはじめ、数え切れない人々に受け継がれています。
しかし、私たちが最も心に留めるのは、その輝かしい功績だけではありません。温かな笑顔、惜しみない優しさ、人と人を結びつける力、そして常に周囲を励まし支えてくれたその人柄です。
このページでは、里美さんを愛し、尊敬し、共に歩んだ皆さまからの思い出やメッセージ、お写真をお寄せいただければ幸いです。
皆さまとともに、その素晴らしい人生を偲び、未来へと受け継がれる遺産を称えたいと思います。
「里美さんは生涯を通じて日本酒の専門家育成と日本酒文化の世界的普及に尽力しました。その遺産は、彼女が育てた人々、導いた専門家たち、そして日本酒を愛するすべての人々の中に生き続けます。」

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Satomi Okubo, a beloved mother, wife, friend, mentor, and one of the most respected ambassadors of Japanese sake in the United Kingdom and beyond.
For more than two decades, Satomi dedicated her life to promoting the culture, craftsmanship, and enjoyment of Japanese sake. Through her work as an educator, judge, consultant, and mentor, she helped shape the careers of countless sake professionals and inspired a deeper appreciation of Japanese sake around the world.
Yet beyond her many achievements, Satomi will be remembered most for her generosity, kindness, warmth, and unwavering support of others. She brought people together, built lasting friendships, and touched countless lives with her passion and enthusiasm.
We invite family, friends, colleagues, students, and all those whose lives were enriched by Satomi to share their memories, messages, and photographs. Together, we celebrate a remarkable life and ensure that her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
“She dedicated her life to educating sake professionals and sharing the culture of Japanese sake with the world. Her legacy lives on in every student she inspired, every professional she trained, and every glass raised in appreciation of sake.”
Funeral
Dear Friends
I wanted to let you know that the funeral for Satomi will take place on Tuesday 7th July at 10:00am at North East Surrey Crematorium.
After the service, you are warmly invited to join us for a wake from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Sanctum Soho Hotel, London, where we can come together to celebrate her life and share our memories.
Your presence would mean a great deal to me and my family.
Thomas Dosseur
Qualifications and Achievements
QUALIFICATIONS
SSI International Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier), Accredited School Representative and Instructor
SSI 国際唎酒師・提携校代表・講師
Judge, Sake Category, International Wine Challenge (IWC)
IWC ⽇本酒部⾨審査員
Graduate, Basic Course in Brewing Technology Executive Training Programme, Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association
⽇本酒造組合中央会・酒造技術幹部養成講座・基礎課程
SSI Shochu Kikisake-shi (Shochu Sommelier)
SSI 焼酎唎酒師
SSI Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier)
SSI ⽇本酒唎酒師
SSI International Board Member (UK)
SSI インターナショナル英国理事
Diploma in Body Language (Non-Verbal Communication)
ボディーランゲージ（⾝体⾔語）ディプロマ
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
WSET ワイン Level 2
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
In 2001, Satomi Okubo joined Park Hyatt Tokyo, one of Tokyo’s most prestigious five-star hotels located in Nishi-Shinjuku. At the time, the hotel was renowned for its highly competitive recruitment process, with an acceptance rate of approximately 1 in 500 applicants. She spent four years working at the hotel’s acclaimed Japanese restaurant, Kozue. It was there that she was first introduced to sake through staff tastings. Despite having had little interest in sake previously, this experience sparked a lifelong passion. During her time at Park Hyatt Tokyo, she developed extensive knowledge of sake, Japanese cuisine, tableware, Japanese etiquette, hospitality, and the spirit of 'omotenashi'.
In 2005, she was headhunted by the newly opened Roka Restaurant & Shochu Lounge in London as a Shochu Advisor and Sake Sommelier. She subsequently relocated to the United Kingdom and, in 2006, transferred to the renowned Zuma Restaurant, Roka’s sister restaurant. She later became Head Sake Sommelier, overseeing the restaurant’s sake programme and team.
At Zuma, she managed a portfolio of approximately 75 sake labels at any given time and introduced seasonal sake promotions that were refreshed every two to three months. These promotions regularly achieved sales exceeding 500 bottles during each campaign period. She worked closely with producers and importers to source exclusive products, including sake imported directly from Japan by air freight. Her responsibilities included product management, staff training, sales development, and ongoing education for more than 150 employees.
Located in the heart of Knightsbridge, within walking distance of Harrods and surrounded by luxury hotels, boutiques, and residences, Zuma was one of London’s leading high-end Japanese restaurants. With seating for 150 guests and serving between 400 and 600 customers daily, the restaurant attracted an international clientele that included celebrities, Hollywood actors, professional athletes, musicians, artists, and world-renowned chefs. Average guest spending exceeded £150 per person.
Following her move to Zuma, she pioneered the introduction of 'nurukan' (gently warmed sake) in the UK market, offering an alternative to the more commonly served hot sake. She also launched a programme of seasonal sake selections, imported directly from Japan every three months. Through comprehensive training sessions for waitstaff, bartenders, and managers, she significantly increased staff confidence and knowledge, resulting in seasonal sake and nurukan becoming some of the restaurant’s best-selling beverage categories.
She established mandatory sake and shochu training programmes for all new team members and developed educational manuals to support staff development. Advancement from food runner to waiter required passing knowledge examinations covering food, cocktails, sake, and service standards. In addition to driving sake sales, she recruited Japanese staff and identified sake sommeliers for Zuma restaurants expanding internationally.
As manager of a three-member sake sommelier team, she organised regular educational workshops, fostered team development, maintained inventory and product quality standards, strengthened relationships with distributors and producers, and contributed to sustained sales growth.
Beyond daily restaurant operations, she was responsible for sourcing and serving sake at private events, corporate functions, and off-site catering engagements. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, she worked alongside colleagues from Zuma and two Roka restaurants to raise £150,000 for the Japanese Red Cross through fundraising initiatives. She also coordinated the creation of one thousand origami cranes, each carrying handwritten messages, which were sent to elementary schools in heavily affected areas of Miyagi Prefecture.
In 2014, after nine years with Zuma Restaurant, she left the company to focus on sake and shochu education in the United Kingdom.
That same year, she founded Enshu Ltd, a London-based company dedicated to sake education and promotion. Through Enshu Ltd, she became the first and only officially recognised UK partner school of the SSI (Sake Service Institute International), authorised to deliver the International Kikisake-shi (International Sake Sommelier) certification programme in English. To date, she has trained more than 100 International Kikisake-shi professionals.
Based in London, she continued to provide corporate sake seminars, workshops, trade events, menu development consultancy, sales strategy advice, and staff training for hospitality businesses. She also advised Japanese breweries seeking entry into the UK market, delivers presentations at major industry events, and had extensive experience as an event organiser and master of ceremonies (MC).
In 2021, she was appointed UK Coordinator for Japanese Alcoholic Beverages by the National Tax Agency of Japan. In this role, she organised the B2B trade event EXPLORE, creating a networking platform that brought together more than 50 leading industry professionals. She also conducted detailed market research involving 100 buyers and 100 retail and hospitality outlets across London that sold Japanese alcoholic beverages.
In 2022, she worked on the Japanese Rice Promotion Campaign on behalf of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The campaign involved collaborations with influencers, celebrity chefs, and non-Japanese restaurants, generating significant awareness and sales growth for Japanese rice products.
Combining extensive experience in both the Japanese and British hospitality industries, she developed a strong network of industry professionals and long-standing relationships with importers, distributors, producers, and hospitality operators throughout the UK.
By 2025, she had completed her fifth year as the UK Coordinator for Japanese Alcoholic Beverages. Her activities expanded beyond London to include Birmingham, Manchester, and other major cities, where she collaborated with Michelin-starred restaurants and hospitality leaders to deliver numerous trade and promotional events.
As a judge for the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Sake Competition, she participated since 2008. Over the years, she served as a Panel Chair, leading judging panels and contributing to the development of the competition. During the pandemic in 2020–2021, she also served as Acting Co-Chairman, supporting the management and operation of the judging process.
2001年、東京都西新宿にある5つ星ホテル「パークハイアット東京」に入社。当時、採用倍率約500倍という狭き門を突破し、日本料理「梢」に配属される。4年間にわたり接客業務に従事しながら、日本酒、日本料理、器、日本の礼儀作法、そして「おもてなし」の精神を学ぶ。職場で日本酒の試飲機会を得たことをきっかけに日本酒の魅力に惹かれ、その後のキャリアの礎となる。
2005年、ロンドンに新規オープンした「Roka Restaurant & Shochu Lounge」より焼酎アドバイザー兼日本酒ソムリエとして招聘を受け渡英。翌2006年には姉妹店である高級和食レストラン「Zuma Restaurant」に異動し、その後Head Sake Sommelierに就任。日本酒チームの統括を担う。
Zumaでは常時約75種類の日本酒を取り扱い、日本から空輸される季節限定商品の企画・導入を主導。2〜3か月ごとに展開した季節商品は毎回500本以上の販売実績を記録し、日本酒販売の拡大に大きく貢献した。また、150名以上の従業員に対する継続的な商品教育や販売促進トレーニングを実施し、スタッフの知識向上とサービス品質向上に尽力した。
さらに英国において先駆的に「ぬる燗」の提案を行い、日本酒の新たな楽しみ方を浸透させた。新入社員向けの日本酒・焼酎教育プログラムを構築し、独自の研修マニュアルを作成。サービススタッフの育成制度にも日本酒知識を組み込み、組織全体で日本酒文化への理解を深める仕組みづくりを行った。
また、日本酒販売のみならず、日本人スタッフの採用や海外展開するZumaグループ店舗の日本酒ソムリエ育成にも携わる。流通業者や酒蔵との信頼関係を築きながら、商品管理、在庫管理、販売戦略の策定を通じて安定した売上向上に貢献した。
2011年の東日本大震災発生時には、ZumaおよびRokaグループのスタッフと共に募金活動を実施し、日本赤十字社へ15万ポンドを寄付。さらに被災地の子どもたちへ届ける千羽鶴制作を主導し、宮城県内の小学校へ寄贈するなど復興支援活動にも積極的に取り組んだ。この活動はBloomberg UKでも紹介された。
2014年、9年間勤務したZuma Restaurantを退職し、日本酒・焼酎教育活動に専念するため「Enshu Ltd」を設立。ロンドンを拠点に、日本酒教育および日本食文化の普及活動を開始する。
同年、SSI（日本酒サービス研究会・酒匠研究会連合会）より正式認可を受け、英国初かつ唯一のSSI認定提携校として「国際唎酒師」資格取得講座を英語で開講。100名以上の国際唎酒師を育成している。
さらに、企業向け日本酒セミナーやワークショップ、飲食店向けコンサルティング、メニュー開発、販売促進支援を手掛けるほか、英国進出を目指す酒蔵へのアドバイスや市場開拓支援も行い、大規模イベントでの講演、プレゼンテーション、イベント企画運営、司会進行（MC）など幅広く活動した。
2021年には国税庁による「日本産酒類コーディネーター（英国）」に就任。日本産酒類の海外市場調査およびプロモーション事業を担当し、業界関係者を対象としたB2Bイベント「EXPLORE」を企画・運営。50名以上の業界リーダーが参加するネットワーキングの場を創出した。また、ロンドン市内の日本産酒類バイヤー100名および日本酒取扱店舗100店舗の市場調査・分析を実施した。
2022年には農林水産省による日本米プロモーション事業に参画。インフルエンサーや著名シェフ、非日系レストランとのコラボレーションを通じて、日本米の認知向上と販売促進に貢献。
長年にわたり日本と英国双方のホスピタリティ業界に携わり、幅広い業界ネットワークと深い市場理解を構築。酒蔵、輸入業者、飲食業界をつなぐ架け橋として活動を続けた。
2025年には日本産酒類コーディネーター就任5年目を迎え、活動の場をロンドンのみならず、バーミンガム、マンチェスターなど英国各地へ拡大。ミシュラン星付きレストランとの連携を含む数多くの商談会・プロモーション事業を成功に導いている。
International Wine Challenge（IWC）日本酒部門審査員として2008年より審査に参加。長年にわたりパネルチェアを務めるほか、2020〜2021年のパンデミック期間中にはコーチェアマン代理として審査運営を支え、日本酒業界の発展に貢献した。
Timeline
パークハイアット東京
シニアウェイター＆レセプショニスト
酒ソムリエ
to 2026
国税庁
日本産酒類UKコーディネーター
to 2025
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
Satomi was a monumental influence in my life. When I first started my sommelier career at Zuma, she was the sake sommelier who set the standard. Her fierce professionalism shaped my standards,
She didn't just work with sake—she lived it, and she generously shared that passion, opening up a world of knowledge that I will forever be grateful for.
She was a true ambassador of Japanese culture. I’ll never forget our trip to Japan, exploring a sake brewery together with her and Thomas. It’s a memory I will carry forever.
But beyond the wine and sake, what I’ll miss most is her joy. We shared so much laughter, and even now, I can't help but smile when I think of her. That laugh will be in my mind forever.
To Thomas and the kids, I send you all the love and strength in the world.
Goodbye, my dear friend. From now on, every time I raise a glass of sake, I will think of you—and I promise to smile.
"The legacy of a great person is the light they leave behind in others."
Dear Tomas, Hugo and Masato. And all extended family.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Satomi San. Satomi was not only a brilliant professional in the world of Japanese Sake and culture, but even more an incredable mother, wife and friend to many.
Satomi San, you will be deeply missed, but your impact is permanent.
Rest in peace.
Nero, Tomomi & Jean Gilissen
I am filled with heartfelt thoughts upon hearing of Satomi's passing. Spending time with her in hospice, where I was by her side a few days before her passing, was an invaluable experience for me.
To me, Satomi was not only my teacher at SSI but also a trusted colleague, a confidant, a respected woman with the incredible power to turn everything into laughter while embracing others with kindness, and, above all, a dear younger sister.
I still vividly remember our spring visit to Kew Gardens. It's hard to believe that the beautiful and sweet smile she wore under the blooming cherry blossoms was her last spring.
Many people knew that Satomi had professional-level talents in everything she did—cooking, drawing, crafting, making cosmetics, writing and more. She was a wonderful artist, and her creations were always infused with love.
Her radiant smile and steadfast spirit will forever be etched in my heart. I believe her virtues will continue, and I feel that she will soon be reborn, allowing us to meet again somewhere.
Satomi, I still find myself wanting to reach out to you on LINE, and I often feel as though you might reply to me.
Satomi, Thank you.
彼女の愛するご家族が、愛に包まれ、心の平安を得られますように。
大久保里美さんのご逝去を知り、心からの思いを抱いています。お亡くなりになる数日前に彼女とホスピスで過ごした時間は、私にとってかけがえのないものでした。
私にとって、里美さんはSSIの先生であるだけでなく、信頼できる仕事仲間であり、心を打ち明けられる親友であり、人を優しく包み込む母性に溢れ、どんなことも笑いに変えれるような不思議なパワーを持つ、そんな尊敬する女性、そして何よりも可愛い妹のような存在でした。
一緒に訪れたKewガーデンのことを鮮明に思い出しています。満開の桜の下で見せてくれた、美しく愛らしい笑顔。彼女の最後の春であったとは本当に信じ難いです。
多くの人々がご存知のように、里美さんは多才で在られました。料理、絵画、イラスト、手芸、コスメ作り、執筆などなど、全てにおいて丁寧でプロフェッショナルな才能でした。彼女は素晴らしいアーティストであり、何より彼女の作品には常に愛が込められていました。
その輝く笑顔と揺るぎない精神は、私の心に永遠に刻まれています。彼女の徳がこれからも受け継がれ、きっとすぐに生まれ変わり、またどこかで会えると感じています。
さとみん、私は今でもふとあなたにラインしたくなる、そして何だかお返事も来そうな気がするよ。
さとみん、ありがとうね。
My thoughts are with Thomas and their sons during this incredibly difficult time. Satomi will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she touched.
My love goes out to her family.
You made so many people feel welcome, always smiling and gracious making guests at events feel a million dollars!
You made your hard work look effortless, I will always have fond memories of working with you, lots of laughs.
We will miss you dearly and will remember you as a pioneer in the incredible Japanese hospitality community.
Big love to Thomas and your children.
Rest in peace.
I had the pleasure of meeting Satomi and Thomas during their time at Zuma and am thankful that our friendship continued outside the restaurant.
We sadly didn’t get to spend regular time together but all the moments and memories we have of Satomi are truly wonderful. We remember her as the most kind, devoted wife and mother and passionate about her love of Sake and Japanese culture.
One of the most thoughtful gifts we have ever received for our girls came from Satomi and the time and care she took to make the gift is a beautiful example of the wonderful lady she was.
Sending all our condolences and prayer to Thomas and the whole family at this terribly sad time.
While our paths crossed occasionally, Satomi-san was someone I deeply respected throughout my career.
As a pioneer in our industry, she carried herself with remarkable professionalism, generosity, and grace.
I will always remember her warm smile and the way she made such a lasting impression on those around her.
I truly believed we would have another chance to meet again. Knowing that we won't is heartbreaking.
She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Satomin, I still remember the day you called me Masayon with big smile, which made me feel welcomed to the community all those years ago. You will always be in our hearts.
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of her passing.
She was the one who shaped the very foundation of my career in the UK, at Zuma London — and in many ways, the person who showed me what it truly means to work in this industry with integrity and grace.
She held herself to an extraordinary standard — in hospitality, in professionalism, in her devotion to sake — and she expected no less from those around her.
I carry so much of what she taught me in the way I work today. Her love for sake was never just about the drink itself; it was about people, about meaning, about getting things right. That spirit stays with me.
I am deeply grateful to have known her and to have had the privilege of learning from her.
May she rest in peace.
なかなか受け止めきれない気持ちでいっぱいですが、どうか安らかにお休みできますよう、心よりご冥福をお祈りいたします。
ご冥福をお祈りします。
まず初めに、里美の功績を称えてくれて立派なサイトを作っていただき感謝いたします。
新しいクラスで名簿順に決められた席で里美と前後に座って、なぜかすぐに打ち解けて仲良くなりました。あれから30年の月日が流れ、私には15才になる障害を持った息子がおります。東京とロンドン、遠く離れた地で仕事に育児に頑張っている里美にいつも励まされ、私にはなくてはならない存在でした。人生を卒業する10日前にラインでやりとりできたのが最後でした。さとみ、まだ受け止めきれないよ。また会えるって信じてたんだよ。悔しくてたまらないよ。
My name is Yoko Imai, and I was Satomi's classmate in high school.
First of all, thank you for praising Satomi's achievements and for creating such a wonderful website.
In our new class, Satomi and I sat one behind the other in our assigned seats according to the class roster, and for some reason, we quickly became close friends. Thirty years have passed since then, and I now have a 15-year-old son with a disability. I live in Tokyo, and Satomi lives in London. She works hard at her job and raising her child in these far-off places, and she has always been an encouragement to me. She was an indispensable presence in my life. The last time we exchanged messages was on LINE, 10 days before she passed away. Satomi, I still can't accept it. I believed we would meet again. I'm so heartbroken.
She was like Mary Poppins “practically perfect in every way”.
X x x
Stella
メールを見返してみると、私は2011年5月28日に初めてzumaで里美さんとお会いしたようです。日本酒を一滴も飲んだことがないのにビジネスサイドの興味から日本酒業界に(勝手に)入り、日本酒輸出のコンサルタント？として仕事を始めた直ぐの頃かと思います。そして、直接最後にお会いしたのは2024年10月のDrink Japanでした。久しぶりの再会で盛り上がり里美さんが独自で開催していた日本酒イベントのチーズペアリングの会(http://satomisfridge.blogspot.com/2011/06/sake-tasting-event-vol3.html?m=1)が良かった！とか、よくそんな昔のこと覚えてるね！とか束の間の会話を楽しみました。仕事上のお付き合いでしたが、改めてメールを読むと、互いの近況を報告し合い里美さんは結婚、ハネムーン、妊娠、出産、子育てなどのニュースをくれて、私はインドに住みに行きますとか、次はブラジルです、とかドバイのzumaでトレーニング中ですとか、夏休みの予定が決まりましたとかとりとめのない話題をいつも付け加えていました。友人とよばせてもらえないとは思いますが、プロフェッショナリズムへの尊敬と友情を感じていました。
闘病をされていたのは全く知らず、何も気がつきませんでした。いつもテーブルを挟んで座り互いの顔を見ながらミーティングをしていたのに一緒に写る写真はなく、最後の時に里美さんが写真撮ろう！と珍しく言ってくれ、私は汗まみれで髪も顔も服もぐちゃぐちゃだから嫌だ！！里美さんみたく可愛いドレスを着た時がいい！と言いながら二人で笑ったことが思い出されます。里美さん、今までどうも有難うございました。圭より
Sending my deepest condolences to Satomi’s family. I am really really really sorry for your loss.
I was truly shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of your passing. It is heartbreaking that we never had the chance to meet in person until the very end.
Looking back to 2011, I still remember being someone who knew nothing about working overseas and could hardly speak English, yet had a strong desire to challenge myself abroad. One day, I found Zuma online and made a call to the London office. You were the person who answered and supported me from the very beginning.
Through your guidance and encouragement, I studied English, kept pushing forward, and was eventually given the opportunity to join Zuma Dubai in August 2012. I would not be where I am today without your support, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Today, I have been entrusted with the role of Head of Sake Development for Zuma Middle East & Turkey. None of this would have been possible without you. Throughout my journey, I have always looked up to you and admired the incredible work you did to share sake and Japanese culture with the world. I often dreamed that one day I could follow a similar path.
As a Sake Samurai, I promise to continue sharing the passion, values, and love for sake and Japanese culture that you carried so strongly. Not only in the Middle East, but globally, I will continue working to educate, inspire, and help spread sake to more people around the world.
Thank you for everything, Satomi-san.
May you rest in peace.
Ryuji Hamada
Head of Sake Development
Zuma Middle East & Turkey
Satomi-san was such a lovely person, approachable, warm, radiant when smiling.
I shall miss her and my thoughts are with her family and close ones.
里美さん、ありがとうございます。
I first met Satomi in London, at Zuma, together with Thomas before they were married. Even from those early moments, I remember feeling how genuine, kind, and warm she was. She had a quiet elegance and a natural way of making people feel welcome.
Over the years, I had the chance to see Satomi and Thomas a few times, in London and even in Tokyo. Although I was not among her closest friends, she left a lasting impression on me. Some people do not need many encounters to touch your heart; Satomi was one of them.
My deepest condolences go to Thomas, Hugo, Masato, and all those who loved her. She will be deeply missed, and I will remember her with great fondness and respect.
Rest in peace, Satomi-san.
I still can’t believe you’re gone.
Our paths crossed through Park Hyatt and ROKA, and I always felt connected to you through our shared hospitality family.
You left us far too soon.
I hope you are at peace now.
R.I.P
Au-delà de sa gentillesse, de son sourire et de sa bienveillance, Satomi a profondément marqué mon parcours. C’est grâce à elle que j’ai découvert l’univers fascinant du saké et que j’ai appris à l’apprécier avec curiosité et passion.
Je garde un souvenir particulièrement précieux d’une soirée au salon privé de Gazette Battersea, où nous avions imaginé ensemble un accord entre fromages français et sakés. Ce moment de partage, de découverte et d’échange restera gravé dans ma mémoire. Ce fut pour moi une véritable révélation.
Depuis ce jour, chaque fois que je déguste un verre de saké, que je participe à un salon ou que je découvre une nouvelle cuvée, une pensée m’accompagne inévitablement : celle de Satomi. Son enthousiasme, sa générosité et sa passion continuent de vivre à travers tous ces souvenirs.
Je présente mes plus sincères condoléances à sa famille, à Thomas ainsi qu’à ses enfants. Mes pensées les plus chaleureuses les accompagnent dans cette douloureuse épreuve.
Merci, Satomi, pour tout ce que tu nous as transmis. Tu resteras à jamais présente dans nos cœurs et dans nos verres de saké.
It was with immense sadness that I learned of Satomi’s passing.
Beyond her kindness, her smile, and her generosity of spirit, Satomi had a profound impact on my journey. It was thanks to her that I discovered the fascinating world of sake and learned to appreciate it with curiosity and passion.
I have a particularly cherished memory of an evening at the private salon of Gazette Battersea, where we created a pairing of French cheeses and sake together. That moment of sharing, discovery, and exchange will remain forever in my memory. It was a true revelation for me.
Since that day, whenever I enjoy a glass of sake, attend a trade show, or discover a new sake, I inevitably think of Satomi. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and passion continue to live on through those memories.
I would like to offer my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to her family, to Thomas, and to their children. My thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
Thank you, Satomi, for everything you shared with us. You will always remain in our hearts and in every glass of sake we raise in your memory.
訃報に接し、深い悲しみに包まれています。
聡美さんは、その優しさや笑顔、そして温かい人柄を通じて、私の人生に大きな影響を与えてくださいました。私が日本酒の奥深い世界を知り、その魅力を心から愛するようになったのは、聡美さんのおかげです。
特に忘れられない思い出があります。Gazette Battersea のプライベートサロンで、チーズと日本酒のペアリングを一緒に考えた夜のことです。あの時間は、発見と学び、そして喜びに満ちた特別なひとときでした。私にとって、日本酒の新たな魅力を知る大切な経験となりました。
あの日以来、日本酒を口にするたび、新しい銘柄に出会うたび、あるいは展示会やイベントに参加するたびに、自然と聡美さんのことを思い出します。聡美さんの情熱、寛大さ、そして人々を惹きつける温かさは、今も私の心の中で生き続けています。
ご家族の皆様、トーマスさん、そしてお子様方に、心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。この深い悲しみの中にある皆様に、心からお見舞い申し上げます。
聡美さん、本当にありがとうございました。あなたが私たちに与えてくださった多くの思い出と学びに感謝しています。あなたはこれからも、私たちの心の中で、そして私が日本酒を味わうたびに生き続けることでしょう。
安らかにお眠りください。
We will always love and be there for Hugo, Masato and Thomas. Xxxx
We will always love and be there for Hugo, Masato and Thomas.❤️
Condolences from Sanaa , Hanaa, Abdul and Fawwaz xxxx
We will all raise a glass to her in the coming days and remember her fondly.
Satomi-san, 誠にありがとうございました。
Satomi was a truly lovely person, brimming with positivity. She was so welcoming to everyone in the London sake community, myself included - I was so grateful for her cheerful humour and kind words when I was finding my feet in this world. I had the pleasure of being on her panel at International Wine Challenge sake judging - her quiet confidence and exceptional palate led by the best possible example. I was so impressed by her leadership during the Explore Japanese drinks events she created.
She kindly invited me to represent Ginten’s sake at the event as their team couldn’t come to Lonson in person, and I still crack up remembering her carrying around an iPad so that Takagiri san could virtually experience the action at our table! And I was so grateful she asked me to speak about sake & cheese pairing at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair, where she les a fantastically received NTA booth even when she was undergoing treatment. She was so excited and passionate about getting new people into sake - even after 20 years of promotion in London, every event was a fresh chance and her example inspired us all. She also knew how to handle a proper pint of Guinness at the essential post pub event wrap up!
Cancer is just the worst - it’s so unfair to lose someone like Satomi, full of life and love and with so much to live for. Satomi‘s quiet dignity, refusing to let cancer slow her down, impact her precious family time caring for her boys or stop her from pursuing her passions and pushing her sake career to the fullest, is truly an inspiration to us all.
Rest in peace Satomi - your family and friends will be in my thoughts and we will raise a 献杯 kenpai in your honour at every sake event to come 💔
I am utterly shocked by this news.
I met Satomi-san during our time at Roka in London, and we quickly became close. During this time, we made it our tradition to explore great restaurants together and discover exceptional sakes, about which she would always so generously educate me.
Satomi had a rare gift: not only did she light up every room with her angelic smile and presence, but she also possessed a warmth and grace that immediately put people at ease. Being around her felt effortless—she made everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and valued.
I will always cherish those evenings, the conversations, the laughter, and the many things she taught me. She touched the lives of so many people, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have known her.
Satomi-san, you will be deeply missed.
I am utterly shocked by this news.
I met Satomi-san during our time at Roka in London, and we quickly became close friends. We made it our tradition to explore great restaurants together at the time and discover exceptional sakes, about which she would always so generously educate me.
Satomi had a rare gift: not only did she light up every room with her angelic smile and presence, but she also possessed a warmth and grace that immediately put people at ease. Being around her felt effortless—she made everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and valued.
I will always cherish those evenings, the conversations, the laughter, and the many things she taught me. She touched the lives of so many people, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have known her.
You will be deeply missed Satomi-san.
My thoughts are with you at this time. You had a beautiful wife and mother forever the professional, putting others first before herself. Satomi with the beautiful smile that lite up rooms you will be dearly missed and certainly never forgotten. I'm so sad that the battle you fought wasn't beaten, your legacy will go on with every person you touched sharing your passion and culture. Rest in peace Satomi we all miss you dearly.
During her illness, when she struggled with her appetite and her weight kept dropping, she would still say to me:
“Akemi, your cooking has such a gentle flavour. I can eat so much of it.”
And she did.
One month before she passed away, the IWC Sake Judging was held in Hiroshima.
Satomi would have wanted to come with us but she was unable to.
When I asked her, “What would you like as a souvenir?” she replied:
“The manga called [Strong-Minded Beauty Shirakawa-san].”
She never gave up.
She always believed she would recover.
Her illness didn’t stop her smiling and she never stopped caring for the people around her.
She loved cats and was incredibly talented with her hands. She even turned my cat Ziggy and her beloved goldfish, Kin-chan, into LINE stickers for us.
As her illness made it harder for her to go out, she began creating things at home—making natural cosmetics, crafting with clay, and producing all sorts of beautiful handmade items. She made cat earrings and even a little doll of Ziggy for me.
My home is filled with memories of Satomi.
When I think about how painful it must have been for her to leave this world, leaving behind her young sons, Hugo and Masato, my heart feels as though it is being torn apart.
A few days before she passed away, in a faint voice, she said
“Thank you.”
Again and again.
But I am the one who wants to say thank you—hundreds, thousands of times over.
Satomi was always positive. Until the very end, she never stopped asking herself what she could still do, and then doing it.
From now on, I will carry the lessons you taught me close to my heart. I will live fully—not only for myself, but for the part of life that you can no longer live.
Thank you for coming into my life.
For many years, we supported one another not only as friends but as family.
The sake family led by Rie is a truly special group—professionals who work tirelessly to elevate and promote the value of sake, yet whose kindness, warmth, and generosity shine through in everything they do.
Among them, Satomi was the cutest angel of all.
She had beautiful, glowing skin and an irresistibly sweet smile. Yet every now and then, she would roar the room with laughter with a sharp black joke.
During her illness, when she struggled with her appetite and her weight kept dropping, she would still say to me:
“Akemi, your cooking has such a gentle flavour. I can eat so much of it.”
And she did.
One month before she passed away, the IWC Sake Judging was held in Hiroshima.
Satomi would have wanted to come with us but she was unable to.
When I asked her, “What would you like as a souvenir?” she replied:
“The manga called [Strong-Minded Beauty Shirakawa-san].”
She never gave up.
She always believed she would recover.
Her illness didn’t stop her smiling and she never stopped caring for the people around her.
She loved cats and was incredibly talented with her hands. She even turned my cat Ziggy and her beloved goldfish, Kin-chan, into LINE stickers for us.
As her illness made it harder for her to go out, she began creating things at home—making natural cosmetics, crafting with clay, and producing all sorts of beautiful handmade items. She made cat earrings and even a little doll of Ziggy for me.
My home is filled with memories of Satomi.
When I think about how painful it must have been for her to leave this world, leaving behind her young sons, Hugo and Masato, my heart feels as though it is being torn apart.
A few days before she passed away, in a faint voice, she said
“Thank you.”
Again and again.
But I am the one who wants to say thank you—hundreds, thousands of times over.
Satomi was always positive. Until the very end, she never stopped asking herself what she could still do, and then doing it.
From now on, I will carry the lessons you taught me close to my heart. I will live fully—not only for myself, but for the part of life that you can no longer live.
Thank you for coming into my life.
Thank you, Satomi, for your friendship, your kindness, and your generosity. You will be remembered fondly, missed deeply, and never forgotten.
My thoughts and prays are with Thomas, Hugo and Masato during this difficult time.
Meanwhile thinking of the past, thank you for everything, your laugh, your professionalism, your enthusiasm, your kindness, you being unique, a diamond one of a kind.
Thanks so much for working together with you at the IWC.
You have done so much for sake in the UK but you did so way more, sure the angels share for sake will definitely find it’s way to you.
You will forever be missed as a one of a kind germ, thanks so much for seeing this germ glowing when sake was near.
She helped us so much with our sake pairing, and all of our staff learned a great deal from her knowledge, passion, and sincere attitude towards sake.
She was someone we truly looked up to.
Thank you so much for everything, Satomi-san. We are deeply saddened and will always be grateful.
I was fortunate enough to have Satomi as a guest on my podcast, where she spoke beautifully about the very moment she fell in love with sake—describing it as "a spark in my head." That was her magic as an educator. She never lost that sense of wonder, and she effortlessly shared that exact spark with everyone she taught.
Satomi always went out of her way to help others, and her warmth and laughter will be deeply missed. My heart breaks for her family. I send my deepest condolences to her husband, her two sons, and all of her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Satomi.
I was fortunate enough to have Satomi as a guest on my podcast, where she spoke beautifully about the very moment she fell in love with sake—describing it as "a spark in my head." That was her magic as an educator. She never lost that sense of wonder, and she effortlessly shared that exact spark with everyone she taught.
Satomi always went out of her way to help others, and her warmth and laughter will be deeply missed. My heart breaks for her family. I send my deepest condolences to her husband, her two sons, and all of her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Satomi.
これまでのご活動とご尽力に深く敬意を表するとともに、里美さんとの思い出に感謝しております。
どうか安らかにお眠りください。
You were such a power house, passionate, and enthusiastic about your craft. Such a sunshine, lights up tge venue with your big smile. We will be greatly missed.
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