EVENT REPORT | JAPANFEST ATLANTA 2026
Seijōsai in ATLANTA: Our First Overseas Stage
On September 19–20, 2026, SAKE･ANI JAPAN exhibited at JapanFest Atlanta 2026, held at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, Georgia. It was the first overseas stage for KOKUSHU SEIJO. We came with three goals: to introduce the KOKUSHU SEIJO service to local audiences, to raise awareness, and to research demand ahead of a future launch in North America. Together with voice actor Iori Nomizu, calligrapher KAKAKU and MC Bird Fumiya, we completed six stages in total — two on the Main Stage and four mini stages in the Hickory room. The day before the festival opened, we also appeared live on FOX 5 Atlanta’s morning show. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to see us and to all who supported us.
(2 main + 4 mini)
“Good Day Atlanta”
in joining in the U.S.
OVERVIEWEvent overview
| Event | JapanFest Atlanta 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20, 2026 |
| Venue | Gas South Convention Center (Duluth, Georgia, USA) |
| Performers | Iori Nomizu (voice actor) / KAKAKU (calligrapher) / Bird Fumiya (MC) |
| Purpose | Introducing the KOKUSHU SEIJO service Promotion Demand research for a future North American launch |
| What we did | Main Stage “HOSHIZAKI PENGUIN STAGE” × 2 Mini stages in the Hickory room × 4 VIP Conference presentation (Sep 19) Live appearance on FOX 5 Atlanta “Good Day Atlanta” (Sep 18) |
ON AIRLive on FOX 5 Atlanta the morning before opening day
On the morning of Thursday, September 18 — the day before the festival opened — we appeared live on “Good Day Atlanta,” the morning show of Atlanta TV station FOX 5 Atlanta. Broadcasting from the venue as it was being set up, Iori Nomizu, KAKAKU and Bird Fumiya introduced SakeAni and the weekend’s stages, and the character “狐” (fox) that KAKAKU brushed on the spot appeared on screen. The segment can be viewed on the FOX 5 Atlanta website.
* Depending on the broadcaster’s settings, the video may not be viewable outside the U.S.
VIP CONFERENCEPresenting at the VIP Conference
On the morning of Saturday, September 19, we took part in the JapanFest VIP Conference. We introduced SakeAni’s work, and Koji Aoto of Savannah Distributing, a Georgia-based beverage distributor, presented Japanese sake. KAKAKU also presented a calligraphy work, written there and then, to members of the Georgia General Assembly’s Japan Caucus.
MAIN STAGEMain Stage “HOSHIZAKI PENGUIN STAGE”
We appeared twice on the Main Stage: Saturday, September 19, 3:00–3:50 p.m., and Sunday, September 20, 2:30–3:20 p.m. The program, “Voice Actor × Live Calligraphy – SakeAni · KAKAKU,” opened with KAKAKU’s live calligraphy. With the freshly written characters “永遠” (eternity) behind them, Iori Nomizu and MC Bird Fumiya took the stage for a talk. Iori Nomizu’s voice crossed the language barrier and filled the hall, reaching the Atlanta audience directly. On stage we also introduced the KOKUSHU SEIJO service and screened our promotional video.
MINI STAGEFour mini stages in the Hickory room
In the Hickory room, where SakeAni had its booth, we held four mini stages over the two days. Between stages we screened our promotional and service videos, making the room our base for introducing KOKUSHU SEIJO all weekend. In this intimate space, close to all three performers, some guests sat on the floor in front of the stage while others cheered along. The biggest reactions came for Iori Nomizu’s range of voices — every time she switched to a new character, the room erupted in cheers. KAKAKU wrote a character live at each stage, and afterwards guests enjoyed taking photos with the finished works.
“國 · 酒 · 聲 · 醸” — complete over two days
From the works KAKAKU wrote across the two days, the four characters “國” (nation), “酒” (sake), “聲” (voice) and “醸” (brew) came together on the final day — the name KOKUSHU SEIJO taking shape in Atlanta, one character at a time.
SURVEYVisitor survey results
As part of our demand research for a future North American launch, we ran a visitor survey at the venue. Asked whether they would join if KOKUSHU SEIJO launched in the U.S., about 40% answered “Definitely,” and including those who would “consider it depending on price and content,” the total exceeded 90%.
If KOKUSHU SEIJO launched in the U.S., would you join?
How often do you watch anime?
How often do you drink Japanese sake?
What would you like to enjoy with KOKUSHU SEIJO? (multiple answers)
From an online survey conducted at the venue. Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding.
While more than 80% of respondents drink sake only “a few times a year” or have “never tried it,” nearly 90% said they watch anime. It gave us real confidence that KOKUSHU SEIJO’s concept — meeting Japanese sake through the voices and stories of voice actors — can resonate in the U.S. as well.
AROUND THE VENUEAround the venue
WHAT’S NEXTWhat’s next
The voices of North American guests gathered in the survey are valuable input as we consider a future launch in North America. While we prepare to launch KOKUSHU SEIJO in Japan first, we will continue to explore expansion into North America. A video report of JapanFest Atlanta 2026 will also be released on the official SakeAni YouTube channel.
Thank you
Our sincere thanks to the JapanFest Atlanta organizing team, everyone at Savannah Distributing, our local staff, and every guest who stopped by to see us.
Exhibitor: SAKE･ANI JAPAN Inc. / KOKUSHU Inc.
Supported by the National Tax Agency’s FY2026 (Reiwa 8) Sake Industry Promotion Support Subsidy.