In a historic recognition of Japan’s rich culinary traditions, the country’s iconic rice wine, sake, has been added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. This recognition was made on Wednesday and recognizes the deep-rooted significance that sake has had in Japanese culture, from traditional ceremonies to its pivotal role in modern gastronomy.
Sake, arguably the more quintessential Japanese drink than sushi, is brewed in centuries-old breweries atop mountains through a process of steaming, fermenting, and pressing over two months of Japanese rice. For sake to qualify as authentic Japanese sake, it must be grown from local rice, as Japan’s culture and agriculture can be said to be wrapped up in its rice identity. A Celebration of Heritage
This recognition goes beyond the technical craftsmanship of sake brewing, celebrating a tradition that dates back nearly 1,000 years. The 11th-century literary classic, *The Tale of Genji*, mentions sake as a cherished beverage among the Heian court’s elite. Japanese Ambassador to UNESCO, Takahiro Kano, emphasized sake’s cultural importance, calling it a “divine gift” essential to Japan’s social and ceremonial life.
“This designation will re-ignite interest in traditional sake brewing and recognize those conserving this heritage,” said Kano during the Luqua declaration. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba concurred with these remarks, expressing congratulations to the brewers as well as pride in how their dedication was recognized worldwide.
UNESCO recognition comes at a crucial time for sake, which has seen younger Japanese consumers increasingly opt for imported wines, domestic beers, and whiskeys. However, international popularity is on the rise for sake, particularly in the United States and China, whose annual exports now exceed $265 million.
The Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association hopes this designation will revive interest domestically and around the world, while at the same time increasing exports. Ishiba pointed out to reporters in Tokyo the possible economic impacts of the addition, coming as it is at a time when food and culture exports are hot items across the globe.
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A cheer for tradition
In a gesture to signify the moment’s importance, Kano raised a cypress box filled with sake in honour of the old cultural ritual. In celebrating this milestone, Japan opened its arms to let the world partake of the legacy of sake as a symbol of Japanese artistry and tradition.
The UNESCO recognition therefore ensures that this centuries-old craft is still a cultural cornerstone of Japan but also the world’s treasure, for generations to come.
(Images courtesy: Canva)
