Japan’s famous sake added to UNESCO cultural heritage list (AP Photo)
Sake, traditional rice wine Japanalready enjoys high reputation in UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list.
This important designation, made at a conference in Luque, Paraguay, underscores the deep significance of sake in Japanese culture and historical narratives, with references in literary classics such as the 11th-century work The Tale of Genji.
Sake brewing involves only four basic ingredients: rice, water, yeast and koji, a mold that plays a vital role in the fermentation process. Complex brewing methods can take up to two months.
Despite sake’s rich historical significance, domestic sake consumption has declined significantly as younger generations increasingly favor imported wines and local beers over traditional options. Instead, global interest in sake has surged, especially in markets such as the United States and China, with annual exports of Japanese sake now exceeding an impressive $265 million.
Japanese officials, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, expressed delight at the UNESCO recognition and hoped the recognition would help reignite domestic and international interest in sake.
Takehiro Kano, who serves as Japan’s ambassador to UNESCO, emphasized the cultural importance of sake to The Associated Press, calling it a sacred gift that is at the heart of many Japanese traditions. Kano further pointed out that this recognition not only honors the exquisite art of sake brewing, but also promotes the inheritance of these traditional skills to future generations.
