Sake is not merely a drink in Japan—it’s a symbol of cultural heritage, deeply rooted in traditions and rituals. Brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, served at weddings, and cherished in cozy izakayas, this smooth rice wine holds a special place in Japan's culinary and social fabric. Now, sake has received global recognition as UNESCO added traditional sake-making to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a tribute to its enduring legacy.

What Makes UNESCO’s Recognition Special?

Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which celebrates sites like Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation highlights practices, traditions, and products that embody a culture’s identity. Alongside sake, this year’s list includes Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread, and Palestinian olive oil soap.

At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, Japanese delegates celebrated the honor. Takehiro Kano, Japan’s ambassador to UNESCO, called sake “a divine gift” integral to the country’s cultural and social events. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shared his pride in sake’s recognition, commending those who have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote this traditional craft.

The Craftsmanship Behind Sake

Traditional sake-making is a meticulous process that blends artistry with patience. The recipe is simple—rice, water, yeast, and koji mold—but the process is anything but. Over two grueling months, the ingredients are steamed, stirred, fermented, and pressed to create the beloved rice wine.

The type of rice is crucial. For a product to be categorized as Japanese sake, the rice must be grown in Japan, reflecting the importance of local ingredients in the country’s cultural identity. Koji mold plays a pivotal role, breaking down starches into fermentable sugars, similar to malting in beer production.

This meticulous brewing technique has been perfected over a thousand years. Sake even features in “The Tale of Genji”, the 11th-century Japanese literary masterpiece, where it was a favored drink in the elegant Heian court.

Sake’s Modern Challenge: Reviving Interest at Home

While sake enjoys a revered status, it faces challenges in Japan. Younger generations are increasingly favoring imported wine, domestic beer, and whiskey. UNESCO’s recognition, officials hope, will reignite local interest in sake and reaffirm its place as Japan’s premier alcoholic drink.

“This will help renew interest in traditional sake elaboration,” Kano noted. Japanese breweries share his optimism, viewing this recognition as a chance to revive domestic interest in sake while further expanding its global appeal.

Sake’s Global Appeal

As Japanese cuisine gains popularity worldwide, so does sake. Exports have surged, raking in over $265 million annually, according to the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association. The United States and China are the top importers, where sake is increasingly enjoyed alongside sushi and other Japanese dishes.

After the announcement in Paraguay, Japan’s delegation raised a cypress box filled with sake to toast this milestone. The act symbolized not only a celebration of tradition but also a hopeful future for the craft.

Sake is more than a drink—it’s an embodiment of Japan’s history, craftsmanship, and spirit. UNESCO’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage celebrates this iconic rice wine as a global treasure, ensuring its traditions are cherished for generations to come.

So, the next time you sip on sake, know that you’re partaking in a thousand-year-old ritual, now immortalized as part of humanity’s cultural heritage. Kampai!