World Sake Day is celebrated annually on October 1 to recognize sake and its contributions to Japanese culture, from ceremonies to (obviously) celebrations.

World Sake Day is celebrated annually on October 1 to recognize sake and its contributions to Japanese culture, from ceremonies to (obviously) celebrations.

World Sake Day is celebrated annually on

October 1 to recognize sake and its contributions to Japanese culture, from ceremonies to (obviously) celebrations. The day is also to deepen people’s love for sake and understanding of this beverage. It doesn’t matter if you live in or outside Japan, because the day is for all sake lovers all around the world. World Sake Day marks the beginning of the annual rice harvest, when sake production in Japan begins. So, gather together and enjoy this Japanese drink. Kampai!

HISTORY OF WORLD SAKE DAY
World Sake Day, or Nihonshu no Hi, started in 1978 when Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (J.S.S.) designated October 1 as a day of sake celebration. The day is also to salute the people involved in sake production — the rice farmers and brewery workers. The brewery workers are passionate and dedicated people, working long hours and meticulously ensuring that the sake they produce will satisfy consumers. Sake lovers gather together on Sake Day to enjoy the sake itself in honor of the brewers.

There are two reasons behind October 1 being chosen as World Sake Day’s date. According to the J.S.S., until 1965 (Showa 40), the brewery year was officially determined to start a new year on October 1 — now the brewery year begins on July 1 and comes to an end on the last day in June in the following year. Another reason lies in the kanji for sake, which is a combination of two parts.

World Sake Day used to be a small event only known to the sake industry. Now, it is celebrated by sake lovers all around the globe, although the majority of events are held in Japan.

Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center can be an ideal place for sake enthusiasts to mingle and celebrate the day. There, visitors can learn more about different types of Japanese beverages. Besides, there is a virtual sake event like Kampai with Sake Week to connect sake lovers globally. So, wherever you are, raise your glass to the celebration of World Sake Day. Cheers!

WORLD SAKE DAY TIMELINE RECOMMEND STORIES

3rd Century B.C.
Japanese Sake
The first record mentions the existence of sake in Japan.

689 A.D.
A Sake Brewing Division
A sake brewing division is established in the Imperial Court.

1872
The First Export
Sake is first exported from Japan.
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1978
World Sake Day is Established
World Sake Day is founded by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.