On Saturday 23 May 2026, as part of our ‘Culture of Asia’ Festival – A Day in Japan, we were delighted to welcome a multi-talented guest: Olivier S., also known as Japan KUDASAÏ.
The Senses Explorer at the Château de Saint-Germain-Du-Plain
As the founder of the leading media outlet Japan Kudasai, he shared with us his vision of an authentic, hidden and delightful Japan.
Japan Kudasai: Japan Beyond the Clichés
For several years now, Olivier S. has been running Japan Kudasai, an essential platform for lovers of the Land of the Rising Sun.
His approach? To think outside the box. Far from the crowds of Tokyo’s and Kyoto’s tourist districts, Olivier explores the lesser-known prefectures, rural festivals and traditional crafts that form the beating heart of Japan.
During the Festival Culture d’Asies – A Day in Japan, he did us the honour of hosting two major talks:
- Travelling off the beaten track
Olivier shared his secrets for planning a unique trip, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, to discover a more intimate and unspoilt side of Japan. - Sake Lecture and Tasting
Sake (or Nihonshu) is much more than just an alcoholic drink; it is an integral part of Japanese culture. Olivier organised a public introductory session to help people understand the different types of sake, how they are made, and the art of tasting them.
The Traveller’s Eye: A unique photography exhibition
But Olivier S. doesn’t just describe Japan; he captures it.
His photographs reflect his insatiable curiosity. He has a knack for capturing the mist shrouding a mountain temple, the precision of a craftsman’s hand, or the poetry of a fleeting moment in an Edo alleyway.
Throughout the day on 23 May 2025, the Château de Saint-Germain hosted an exhibition of its finest photographs. A visual journey that will serve as a prelude to – or a reminder of – your own desire to get away from it all.
A treat for the palate: An introduction to sake
Not to be missed! – a talk on sake.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a knowledgeable enthusiast, Olivier knows how to guide you through the complexities of the flavours, from fruity Junmai to refined Daiginjo.
It was a rare opportunity to benefit from the expertise of an enthusiast, to learn how to read a label and to appreciate the richness of the Japanese terroir.
“Sake tells the story of rice, water and people. It is a direct link to the Japanese land.”
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