Sake As Culture and Tradition

Brewed from rice, Japan’s most sacred grain, it’s no wonder that sake plays an essential role in many aspects of Japanese culture. Used on various occasions from ceremonial rituals to seasonal customs and even helps to break down social barriers among coworkers, it’s more than just a popular alcoholic drink!

A Drink Fit for the Gods

Treasured as a staple food in Japan for centuries, rice and the many products made from it, have long been some of the most sacred offerings one can give to the gods. Sake is high on the list, which may come as no surprise when you see the many large barrels and bottles of sake proudly displayed at Shinto shrines across Japan.

Large barrels aren’t the only ways Japanese people show their appreciation to the gods, you can also find small dishes and bottles of sake displayed on kamidana, or home altars, as well. When building a home or beginning construction at a new site, it isn’t unusual for people to summon priests to the location before breaking ground in order to soothe the gods. One important part of the ritual is the offering of sake, which is poured onto the ground, for the gods to imbibe in as they should always drink first. People have a chance to have their taste of sake at the customary feast that follows.

Not only is sake closely tied to spiritual practices in Japan,  but the brewing of sake is itself traditionally tied to spiritual customs as well. That’s because the art of sake brewing is so closely tied to nature; the varying temperatures throughout the season, the humidity, the rice and koji mold. These are all natural elements that impact the creation of delicious sake. As such, it isn’t uncommon to see small shrines built in traditional breweries giving brewers an easily accessible way to engage in these spiritual rituals and traditions.

A Tying Bond Between People

While sake does act as a medium between the human and divine realms, it also plays a large role in Japanese social customs. Sharing sake symbolizes a strengthening of bonds and tying together of relationships. This can be relationships between coworkers and friends, but it can also be for romantic relationships. In traditional Japanese weddings, the bride and groom share three sips from three cups of sake, each in turn, to seal their bond in marriage. Similarly, it is still common for drinking parties to be held when welcoming new people into the community or workplace.

Equally important as the sharing of sake is how you share it. One of the unifying elements is the fact that it temporarily lets people of different statuses, like bosses and subordinates, freely pour sake for each other with little recognition of rank. Do make sure, however, that as a show of respect, you hold your glass with both hands when someone is pouring for you and that you hold the bottle with both hands when pouring for someone else. And when you kanpai, or say cheers, try to hold your glass slightly lower than the other person’s as a gesture of respect.

A Change of Seasons

As we’ve seen, sake plays an important role in Japanese traditions and celebrations. It is enjoyed differently throughout the year not only as a way to loosen up, but a way to mark the changing of the seasons. For New Year’s families share o-toso, a type of sake infused with medicinal herbs thought to promote good health in the coming year. In the spring, many gather under the peach and sakura (cherry blossom) trees to share sake, enjoying the simple beauty of the falling petals reflected in one’s cup. Gathering to share sake in these ways can help one to cherish these fleeting moments in life and reflect on the passing of the seasons.

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.