SKAL International Osaka

10/04/2025

On Monday, April 7, 2025, Skål International Osaka held its April meeting at the elegant Imperial Hotel Osaka, welcoming 32 members and guests for an evening of fine wine, seasonal cuisine, and warm hospitality.

Set along the Okawa River, Imperial Hotel Osaka is known for its stunning location and beautiful views of cherry blossoms in spring, making it a perfect setting for this seasonal gathering.

The evening began with a welcome reception in the 22nd-floor Apollon Room, where guests enjoyed relaxed conversations over glasses of sparkling wine from the historic Katashimo Winery in Osaka. The featured wine, “Tako-Shan,” was served during the reception and for the opening toast, setting a festive tone for the night ahead.

Dinner followed in the adjacent Pisces Room, where a beautifully curated French menu was served, created by the hotel’s Executive Chef to celebrate the arrival of spring. The theme of the evening centered on the harmony between Japanese wines and French cuisine, thoughtfully brought to life through every dish and pairing.

The wine selection featured a smooth red wine, “King Selby Bijou Noir,” also from Katashimo Winery, made from 100% Osaka-grown grapes. Guests also enjoyed “Kyouto,” an original white wine exclusive to Imperial Hotel, developed in collaboration with Katsunuma Winery and the hotel’s sommelier team. Crafted from Koshu grapes, this elegant white wine paired beautifully with both Japanese and Western dishes.

In a creative twist, the wines were also incorporated into the dishes themselves—Tako-Shan was used in the dessert, while Bijou Noir enhanced the flavor of the meat course through its rich sauce. The menu also showcased local ingredients, including a comforting soup made with “Tennoji turnips,” a traditional vegetable grown in Osaka.

It was a refined and seasonally inspired evening that beautifully showcased the best of Japanese wine, local produce, and French culinary artistry. Special thanks to General Manager Iio and the team at Imperial Hotel Osaka for their exceptional hospitality and for creating such a memorable experience for our members.

https://www.imperialhotel.co.jp/en/osaka?stt_lang=en

18/03/2025

Counting down to the grand opening of Expo 2025 on April 13!

Osaka is ready to welcome visitors from all over the world. Are you ready to unveil the charm of Osaka? ✨

Our very own member, Ms. Tae Kawasaki, has shared insider insights as a local guide in Condé Nast Traveler, highlighting why Osaka is the must-visit destination of 2025.

From its vibrant food scene to rich cultural gems, discover what makes our city truly special!

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-everyone-will-be-going-to-osaka-in-2025

The new spots and classic joints that make Osaka the city to visit in Japan this year.

11/03/2025

On Monday, February 17, 2025, Skål International Osaka came together for a truly memorable evening at the newly opened Four Seasons Hotel Osaka. The event brought together 30 members and guests for a night of great conversation, fine dining, and celebration at one of the city’s most exciting new luxury destinations.

Opened on August 1, 2024, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is one of the newest additions to Osaka’s luxury hotel scene, blending sophisticated design, world-class hospitality, and breathtaking panoramic city views. This gathering was a wonderful opportunity for members to experience the hotel’s signature charm and elegance firsthand.

The evening kicked off with a guided tour for those interested, offering a glimpse into the hotel’s beautifully designed interiors and premium amenities. Guests were then welcomed to the 37th-floor Private Bar, where they enjoyed a relaxed and stylish reception, sipping cocktails while soaking in sweeping views of Osaka’s skyline.

At 7:00 PM, everyone moved to the 2nd-floor Ballroom, where President Kusunoki opened the evening with a warm welcome speech and toast. From there, the night unfolded into an exceptional dining experience, featuring a seasonally inspired multi-course menu that celebrated the finest Japanese ingredients. The combination of elegant dishes and carefully chosen wine pairings made the evening truly special.

A heartfelt thank you to General Manager Alastair McAlpine and the entire Four Seasons Hotel Osaka team for their outstanding hospitality and for making this gathering such a success.

https://www.skalosa.com

https://www.fourseasons.com/osaka/

29/01/2025

On Monday, January 27, 2025, Skål International Osaka kicked off the year with a fantastic gathering at the luxurious Marriott Miyako Hotel Osaka, welcoming 32 attendees, including 11 guests, for an evening of networking, reflection, and celebration.

The event commenced with the Annual General Meeting, where the President Kusunoki and the committee members reviewed the past year’s achievements and shared key updates for 2025. Following the AGM, guests mingled at a cocktail party, setting a warm and inviting tone for the rest of the evening.

The highlight of the night was the dinner, set against the breathtaking skyline views of Osaka. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the evening’s culinary theme celebrated cacao and chocolate, with each dish—from appetizers to dessert—featuring a creative touch of chocolate. These indulgent flavors were expertly paired with wines and beverages hand-selected by the talented sommelier, Ms. Fumihara.

A heartfelt thank you to General Manager Ogata and his exceptional team at Marriott Miyako Osaka for their impeccable service and for creating such a memorable start to the year.

Here’s to an exciting and successful 2025 for Skål Osaka!

https://www.skalosa.com

28/01/2025

Monday, December 16, 2024, Skal Osaka’s Christmas party was held at the vibrant W Osaka, where the hotel’s signature brand color—pink—set the tone for a dynamic and festive evening.

The celebration began with a lively reception, where attendees embraced the pink dress code, perfectly complementing W Osaka’s bold and creative ambiance. Fifty-nine members, along with their families and friends, gathered to mark the year’s end in high spirits.

Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner crafted by W Osaka’s exceptional culinary team, followed by an exciting raffle featuring fabulous prizes generously donated by members. The festivities reached new heights with a captivating performance by a talented jazz trio, filling the room with soulful melodies and holiday cheer.

A heartfelt thank you to Thomas Vidal, Hotel Manager, and the remarkable W Osaka team for their flawless hospitality and for curating such a uniquely memorable event. The evening was a perfect blend of camaraderie, creativity, and celebration—an extraordinary farewell to 2024. Here’s to a wonderful 2025 ahead!

20/12/2024

On Monday, November 18, 2024, Skal International Osaka held its monthly meeting at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Osaka, with 29 people in attendance.

Their elegant ballroom set the stage for an evening that unfolded in an atmosphere of elegance and camaraderie, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and engaging discussions among tourism and hospitality professionals. The meeting was also attended by four guests of members, adding a special touch to the event.

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, renowned for its exceptional service and luxurious setting, provided the perfect backdrop for this gathering. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Takeda and his team at the Ritz-Carlton Osaka for their outstanding hospitality and for making this meeting a memorable and enjoyable experience for all those in attendance!

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/osarz-the-ritz-carlton-osaka/overview/

05/12/2024

On Thursday, October 21, 2024, Skal International Osaka’s October meeting was hosted at the elegant Portpia Hotel Kobe, bringing together 19 guests for a memorable evening.

This event celebrated the flavors of Japan’s autumn season, featuring a carefully curated menu that highlighted seasonal delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms paired with premium Japanese sake. Guests were treated to an enchanting display of fireworks, enhancing the evening’s festive atmosphere.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Nakauchi and his dedicated team for their exceptional hospitality and for delivering a truly remarkable experience in Kobe!

https://www.portopia.co.jp/en/

18/11/2024

On Monday, September 30, 2024, Skal Osaka’s September meeting was hosted at the JW Marriott Nara, marking the first Skal event warmly welcomed by the hotel’s new General Manager, Klaus Christandl.

The evening began with a delightful outdoor welcome reception under the crisp autumn sky. Guests enjoyed JW Marriott’s exclusive champagne in the open-air setting, creating a refreshing and relaxed start to the event.

The dinner menu was a true culinary journey, highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from Nara Prefecture, including Yamato pork and fresh vegetables. The event brought together 25 attendees, including SKÅLeagues who traveled from Tokyo and Nagoya, to share a wonderful evening together.

A heartfelt thank you to Klaus Christandl and the exceptional team at JW Marriott Nara for their impeccable hospitality and for curating such a memorable evening in this historic city!

08/10/2024

On Monday, July 22, 2024, Skal Osaka’s July meeting was held at Conrad Osaka, embracing the hotel’s signature color, purple. Guests were encouraged to incorporate purple into their attire as part of the evening’s theme. The event began with a cocktail reception featuring Conrad Osaka’s exclusive summer cocktail.

The dinner menu emphasized sustainability, showcasing free-range eggs and locally sourced vegetables from the Kansai region. A total of 28 attendees, including 6 special guests, savored the inventive dishes while enjoying the breathtaking Osaka cityscape from the hotel’s sky-high banquet room.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Gabriele D’Amore and his outstanding team for their warm hospitality!

25/07/2024

SKAL Osaka's May meeting was held at the Centara Grand Hotel Osaka on May 22, with a total of 29 participants, including 28 members and 1 guest.

Our event began with a hotel tour led by Mr. Yamazaki, Director of Sales at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. Following the tour, guests were welcomed at the hotel's signature rooftop bar, 'Clued Deck,' where they enjoyed a stunning sunset accompanied by live DJ music. Dinner took place in the Lotus Room, starting with a toast with SKAL Osaka Special Edition Brut and followed by a traditional Thai dance performance. Attendees savored creative dishes prepared by Executive Chef Asano.

Thank you to Mr. Nakagawa, General Manager of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, and his wonderful team for a great display of warm Thai hospitality!

27/05/2024

On April 1, 2024, SKAL Osaka's April meeting was hosted at the Imperial Hotel Osaka, located in Sakuranomiya—one of Osaka's most renowned cherry blossom spots. The Imperial Hotel Osaka offers a splendid view of cherry trees along the river.

Our event began with a cocktail reception in the Apollon Room, followed by dinner in the Pisces Room on the 22nd floor. Unfortunately, it was a bit too early for the cherry blossoms to be in full bloom on this day but thanks to the hotel's warm arrangements, cherry blossoms were decorated at the party venue, allowing guests to enjoy a sakura viewing experience indoors.

The menu featured spring-themed dishes, with one highlight being butter shaped like asparagus that surprised all attendees. Along with freshly baked baguettes prepared by the talented culinary team, these additions added a lively touch to the event.

Thank you to Mr. Iio and the entire team at Imperial Hotel Osaka for their wonderful hospitality. We all enjoyed celebrating the spring delight!

15/05/2024

SKAL Osaka Golf Tournament 15th May.2024
We held a golf tournament at Ono Grand Coutry Club old course at Kobe today. It rained AM, but it became sunny in the afternoon. We enjoyed playing golf. And we'll introduce the winner、Winner is Mr Yuki Hibino. 2rd Mr Nakauchi, 3rd Mr Kusunoki.
We will be held Tournament in this fall again.