Lucknow girl steals the show at Miss Sake India pageant
In a graceful blend of cultures, storytelling and tradition, Lucknow-born Aakansha Srivastava was crowned Miss Sake India 2025 in a ceremony held at the Japan Foundation here on Thursday.
The event, organised by SUB Hirohama Corporation, marked the second Indian edition of the prestigious cultural ambassador programme supported by the Japanese government, now in its 12th year globally.
Srivastava, a marketing strategist and passionate storyteller, brings to the title more than five years of professional experience in brand-building and a personal journey that began with a serendipitous discovery of a book on Japanese culture in her college library. That quiet encounter sparked an enduring curiosity, which grew into a profound admiration for Japan’s literature, cinema, food and traditions.
“I’m grateful, excited and happy. It was unexpected,” she said, while speaking to The Tribune. “When I came here, I thought I’d just have a good time, but actually winning the title is crazy. I’m really looking forward to bringing Japan and India together, doing my best with whatever skills I have,” said Srivastava.
At the grand finale, Srivastava recited a haiku, a traditional 5-7-5 syllable Japanese poem focused on nature and introspection — first in Japanese and then in English for the Indian audience. Her performance embodied the spirit of the Miss Sake initiative – cultural immersion, appreciation and exchange.
Unlike conventional pageants, Miss Sake does not focus on physical attributes or glamour. Instead, it empowers women aged 20-39 who share love for Japanese culture, especially its traditional rice-based drink – sake – and its associated customs, crafts and cuisine.
The India chapter of the programme was launched last year to celebrate Indian women who admire and promote Japanese culture. The titleholder represents Japan through events across India, aiming to deepen India-Japan relations.
Handing over the crown, Menakaa Rai, Miss Sake India 2024, became emotional as she reflected on her own transformative year. “Miss Sake is not just an experience, it’s a big part of my life now. I got to explore Japanese culture closely, visit shrines and learn so much about the rituals and history behind sake,” she said. The event also recognised other exceptional women passionate about Japanese traditions.
Yengkhom Nganthoi Devi (22) from Manipur was named first runner-up. Sonu Rani (Sonam), originally from Haryana and now based in Japan, secured the second runner-up spot.
Two more passionate finalists added to the diversity and depth of the event. Sakshi (27) from Mumbai is JLPT N3 certified and works in the IT sector with a focus on Japanese clients.
Navneet Kaur, who works in a Japanese company’s administrative department and also teaches Japanese, lives by the philosophy of nanakorobi yaoki — “fall seven times, stand up eight.” Her dedication to language and culture makes her a natural cultural ambassador.
Sake, often misunderstood as simply an alcoholic beverage, is in fact a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship, history and cultural connection. Through Miss Sake platform, young women like Srivastava and her fellow participants aim to present sake not only as a drink but as a cultural experience rooted in tradition.
For Aakansha, this title marks the beginning of a new chapter — one that carries the warmth of Lucknow, the discipline of marketing strategy, and a quiet, poetic love for Japan. As she steps into her role as Miss Sake India 2025, she carries the responsibility of deepening India-Japan ties, one story—and one sip—at a time.
Delhi