Despite a wide selection of imported wines available at stores nationwide, domestic wines are reportedly beginning to appear on connoisseurs' tables.
To help popularize Japanese wine, Yamanashi Prefecture -- the largest wine producing region -- began an annual competition last year with European critics on the panel of judges.
Competition organizers say Japanese wine, produced with the same types of grapes found in other wine-producing countries, is beginning to get high marks around the world.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.