Japan has a unique and evolving relationship with wine, and Tuscan wine from Italy has a special place in this relationship. Here is our comprehensive exploration of Japan's wine culture and its particular appreciation for wines from Tuscany. Japan and Tuscan wine, Historical Context Historically, Japan was not a wine-drinking country. Sake and beer were the dominant alcoholic beverages for centuries. However, the introduction of Western culture during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century marked the beginning of Japan’s exposure to wine. Initially, the Japanese found Western wine too strong and preferred sweeter varieties. Over time, however, palates evolved, and the modern Japanese wine market began to develop