FICOFI awards scholarship to stage two Master of Wine student, Atsuhide Hoshiyama
LONDON, UK, 26 FEBRUARY 2025 — Major supporter of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW), FICOFI, has awarded its newly established Asia Scholarship to stage two Master of Wine (MW) student Atsuhide Hoshiyama, based in Japan.
Atsuhide is the first to be awarded the scholarship, which has been created to support MW candidates in Asia as they enter the demanding second stage of the MW programme. He was selected following an in-depth interview process that highlighted both his academic progress and his potential to contribute to the global wine conversation from an Asian vantage point.
As a FICOFI Scholar, Atsuhide will receive £5,000 GBP towards his MW studies, alongside access to FICOFI’s specialist knowledge, resources and international network. The award reflects FICOFI’s commitment to supporting advanced MW candidates and to fostering deeper engagement between the Institute and Asia’s evolving wine communities.
Head of Le Club FICOFI, Marie Capdouze, said: “We recognize in Atsuhide the rare combination of technical excellence and genuine passion for sharing wine knowledge. We look forward to supporting his journey and to learning from the perspectives he will bring to our community.”
IMW Executive Director Sarah Harrison added: “This scholarship provides a fantastic package of support for Atsuhide, that will prove invaluable in his journey to becoming a Master of Wine. We are immensely grateful to FICOFI for their support of our students across Asia.”
Atsuhide is a wine and sake professional based in Hyogo, Japan. Currently working at Yakiniku House Rengaya, he holds an impressive array of qualifications, including the JSA “Sommelier Excellence,” the International A.S.I. Diploma, WSET Diploma in Wines, WSET Level 3 Award in Sake, and the JSA Sake Diploma. A winner of the Wines of Portugal Japanese Best Sommelier of the Year and the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge, he also serves as a JSA educator, government lecturer, WSET certified educator, and IWC judge, contributing widely to the industry.
On receiving the scholarship, Atsuhide commented: “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious award, and to have the opportunity to learn firsthand from FICOFI, a global leader in the fine wine sector. I intend to fully immerse myself in their innovative approach—something that is not yet established in the Japanese market. I am committed to making the most of this experience, not only for my own growth but to bring back new perspectives and value that will contribute to the Japanese wine industry.”
Images, logos and .docx press release can be downloaded here.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Laura Coles
Head of Marketing and Engagement
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9136
lcoles@mastersofwine.org
Notes to editors:
About the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
The IMW is a membership organisation with an exceptional international reputation. For more than 70 years, its members—the Masters of Wine (MWs)—have been at the forefront of leadership and expertise in the world of wine. The IMW’s mission is to foster excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. MWs prove their comprehensive understanding of wine by passing the MW exam, recognised worldwide for its rigour and exacting standards. In addition to passing the exam, members must sign the code of conduct before they are entitled to use the initials MW. This requires them to uphold the highest standards of commercial conduct within the industry. Today, there are 427 Masters of Wine working in 31 countries. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, viticulturalists, academics, educators and more. There are 320 students from 46 countries in the 2025-26 MW study programme. The IMW works with 38 supporters and four research and industry associates, who help promote the IMW’s mission. The five principal supporters are Austrian Wine, AXA Millésimes, Champagne Bollinger, Constellation Brands and VSPT Wine Group. The IMW’s International Symposium is a highlight of the global wine calendar, bringing together leading figures from across the industry. The 11th International Symposium will take place in Adelaide, South Australia, in April 2027, offering four days of world-class tastings, thought-provoking presentations, debate and opportunities to explore Australia’s diverse wine regions. Find out more here: https://imwsymposium.com/