World Sake Day, or Nihonshu no Hi in Japanese, is celebrated every year on October 1st, marking the start of the traditional Sake brewing season in Japan.
Established in 1978 by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, this day honours Japan’s ancient sake brewing traditions and invites the world to join in the celebration. Sake Day also coincides with the rice harvest, a key ingredient in the production of sake, which is why the date is so meaningful.
Typical Sake Day Celebrations in Japan
In Japan, World Sake Day is also the time to revisit certain traditional rituals like the Kagami Biraki ceremonies, where sake barrels are opened with a wooden mallet to signify good fortune. October is also the time for new autumn sake releases, known as Hiyaoroshi – “Hiya” meaning “cool” and “Oroshi” meaning “going to the market”. Japanese people typically look forward to the Hiyaoroshi Sakes during this time.
October also has a spiritual connection in Japan, sometimes referred to as Kannazzuki— the month when the Gods are believed to gather at Izumo Taisha, one of the most ancient and important Shinto shrines in Japan located in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. During this time, Sake is offered to the gods to bless the coming year’s harvest and brewing.
Global Celebrations on World Sake Day
Beyond Japan, World Sake Day is gaining traction globally, with sake festivals and tasting events in major global cities like New York, London, Paris and Sydney. In New Delhi, Sake Club India has organised such celebrations ever since its founding in 2020.
On World Sake Day, Sake bars and restaurants typically offer special menus around organised Sake tastings. There are also virtual tastings that make the celebrations accessible worldwide. These events showcase a variety of sake styles, allowing international audiences to deepen their appreciation for this versatile drink.
Sake’s unique flavours and cultural significance have made it a sought-after beverage globally. As the sake industry adapts to changing markets, World Sake Day stands as a celebration of both tradition and innovation in the sake business.
So, raise a glass on October 1st, and toast to sake’s rich history and its bright future!
Our 2024 Sake Day Celebrations
Updated on 06 Oct 24
We ushered in the Sake Day 2024 celebrations with 4 Sakes amid some of the best Japanese cuisine available in India at Kofuku Japanese Restaurant New Delhi.
In India, where Sake is not yet abundantly available, we could still manage a great representation of Sake styles with these 4 Sakes:
- Kariho Sapphire Label, Junmai Ginjo (Akita Seishu, Akita Prefecture).
- Hakushika Honjozo (Tatsuuma Honke brewery, Hyogo Prefecture).
- Hakutsuru Excellent Junmai (Hakutsuru Brewery, Hyogo Prefecture).
- Shichida Junmai Ginjo (Tenzan brewery, Saga Prefecture).
We also marked the occasion by presenting our first ever accreditation to Kofuku Delhi for their consistently immaculate service of Sake and Japanese food.
Looking forward to more such occasions.
