Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in a centuries-old mountaintop warehouse and served in a country pub atmosphere. Izakayapoured during weddings and served slightly chilled for a special toast.
Now, this mellow liquor, which plays an important role in Japan's culinary tradition and is a favorite drink of celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, has been added to the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'' by UNESCO. .
At a conference held in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO's Commission for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity highlighted 45 cultural practices and products from around the world, including white cheese from Brazil, cassava bread from the Caribbean, and olive oil soap from Palestine. voted to approve.
Unlike UNESCO's World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity, such as the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the intangible cultural heritage designation names the products and practices of different cultures that deserve recognition.
The Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque.
“Sake is considered a gift from the gods and is an essential part of Japan's social and cultural events,” Japan's ambassador to UNESCO, Takehiro Kano, told The Associated Press.
The Japanese have been drinking it since the 8th century, and it was originally believed to ward off evil spirits.
The basic ingredients of sake are rice, water, yeast, and koji, a rice-type product that breaks down starch into fermentable sugars, much like malt in beer production. The two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing is grueling.
Part of Japan's broader cultural identity and with tremendous marketing power, rice is key to alcohol brewing.
To be classified as sake, the rice must come from Japan.
The delegation said UNESCO's certification gained more than technical knowledge to make high-quality liquor. We also respect traditions that date back nearly 1,000 years. Sake makes a cameo appearance in the famous 11th century Japanese novel, The Tale of Genji, as the drink of choice at the sophisticated Heian court.
Now, authorities are hoping to restore sake's image as Japan's finest alcoholic beverage, even as young drinkers in the country turn to imported wine, domestic beer and whisky.
Kano said of the UNESCO listing, “It has great meaning for Japan and for the Japanese people.” “This will help renew interest in traditional sake making.”
In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said in a statement that he was “delighted” to have the name of traditional sake brewing engraved. Mr. Ishiba congratulated those who worked hard to preserve and promote the tradition.
In addition, as interest in Japanese cuisine increases, the popularity of Japanese sake is booming around the world, and Japanese beer companies are also hoping that this listing will boost Japan's export economy even a little. has been expressed.
According to the Japan Sake and Shochu Manufacturers Association, an industry group, sake exports account for more than $265 million annually, mainly to the United States and China.
The Japanese delegation seemed ready to celebrate Wednesday in traditional Japanese style. After the presentation, Mr. Kano held up a cypress box filled with sake and toasted with sake brewing and cultural ceremonies.
