Yamada appointed Ambassador of Italian Pavilion

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 25 - Takuma Yamada, winner of the 16th edition of JETCUP, has been appointed in Japan as one of the Ambassadors of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
    The final of the 16th JETCUP - the competition for best sommelier of Italian wines, the leading event for Italian wine excellence in Japan - took place at the Italian cultural institute in Kudanshita, Tokyo, with the participation of important members of the sector.
    The event has celebrated the importance of Italian wines as a symbol of excellence, as leading products of the food and beverages industry and of the entire Made in Italy in the world.
    During a ceremony attended by the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka, Ambassador Mario Vattani, Takuma Yamada of the Palace Hotel Tokyo Co. Ltd, obtained the title of "Champion JETCUP" and will be one of the Ambassadors of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
    He thus joins an exclusive selection of Japanese personalities coming from the world of culture, architecture and design who, thanks to the deep and long-lasting ties with Italy, will contribute to promote Italian culture in Japan during Expo 2025 Osaka.
    "For us Italians, the culture of wine is strongly connected to history and tradition", said Ambassador Mario Vattani, Commissioner General for Italy at Expo 2025 Osaka.
    "For this reason JETCUP, the most important competition for sommeliers dedicated to Italian wines in Japan, is once again confirmed as an original cultural initiative.
    "I am happy to announce that the 2025 edition will be held at the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka", he stated.
    "Thanks to the support of Ferrari Trento which dedicates to Expo an exclusive bottle branded with our logo, this edition of JETCUP already presents itself as a special event: sommelier Takuma Yamada, winner of the prestigious JETCUP becomes Ambassador of the Italian Pavilion, with the objective of promoting the excellence of our winemaking and agri-food heritage at Expo.
    "We are at a time of great growth for Italian wine exports in Japan, which have already registered a 6% increase in the first semester of 2024, but we can do more.
    "Learning more on the variety of Italian wines is an amusing challenge as well as a cultural enrichment and makes life more pleasant", Expo 2025 will be held in Osaka from April 13 until October 13, 2025, and has as theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'.
    The Italian Pavilion, designed by architect Mario Cucinella, interprets it with "Art regenerates life". (ANSA).