Spring fire-prevention campaigns have begun. While various events unfold nationwide, at Palaceside Building in Takebashi, Tokyo, banners reading "Fire Prevention Campaign Under Way" hang beside the main and west entrances, along with posters of talent SHELLY (Sherry), known from cosmetics commercials, dressed as a female firefighter to promote fire safety.

SHELLY, it turns out, holds an unexpected qualification: "kikizake-shi" (sake taster)—professionals who read drinkers' tastes and wishes and offer Japanese sake and the pleasure of drinking it. They not only advise on the right sake for each guest but can suggest food pairings and choose appropriate vessels—essentially sommeliers of sake. The certifying Japan Sake Service Institute and Sake Master Research Society Federation says Japan has 30,223 holders, 40 percent of them women.

Other drinks-related qualifications include shochu kikizake-shi, sake master (shokyo), sake instructors, sommeliers, beer advisers, spirits advisers, and Chinese liquor appraisers. Qualifications are all the rage; why not give one a try?

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