"World Sake Day" is celebrated on October 1st every year. Sake, also known as Japanese rice wine, holds great cultural significance in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide as well. World Sake Day, also known as "Nihonshu no Hi" in Japan, is a special occasion that honours and celebrates this traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage!
History
The origins of World Sake Day can be traced back to ancient Japan. On October 1st, 1904, the Japanese government changed the way sake was taxed, moving from a volume-based taxation system to a rice-based one. This day was chosen to commemorate that historical change and has been celebrated as World Sake Day ever since.
During World Sake Day, various events, promotions, and sake-related activities take place in Japan and around the globe. This includes sake tastings, sake brewing workshops, lectures on sake culture, and more. The day serves as an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and unique flavours of sake, as well as to deepen the understanding of the rich cultural heritage surrounding this traditional Japanese drink.
In Japan, sake is deeply ingrained in its history and traditions, often playing a significant role in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and gatherings. As the popularity of sake has grown internationally, World Sake Day has become a global celebration, with people from different countries joining in to raise a glass to this exquisite beverage!
Sake Facts You Probably Didn't Know
1. Sake plays a role in Shinto rituals and ceremonies. It is often used as an offering to gods at Shinto shrines, and during the New Year celebrations, a ceremony called "kagami biraki" involves breaking open sake barrels to bring good fortune for the year ahead.
2. Sake pairs well with a wide variety of foods, including traditional Japanese dishes like sushi and sashimi, as well as various international cuisines. The umami-rich and subtle flavours of sake can complement a wide range of flavours.
3. While sake is best consumed fresh to enjoy its delicate flavours, there are some varieties of aged sake known as "koshu." Aged sake has a unique character with deeper, complex flavours that develop over time, much like wine.
4. In Japanese, the term for alcohol is "sake" (酒), but interestingly, the word "sake" (pronounced sah-keh) in English refers specifically to the Japanese rice wine. It's a common misconception that "sake" refers to all types of Japanese alcoholic beverages.
Celebrate World Sake Day with our luxurious variety of sake available at SushiSushi!
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