[Complete Guide] What Is the Zenkoku Shinshu Kanpyokai? Japan’s Top Sake Competition
The History of Japanese Sake: Exploring Japan’s Culture Through the Ages
#01：The Origins of Sake: A Sacred Beverage Born from Rice and Gods
#02: The Heian Period — How Japan’s Nobility Fell in Love with Sake and Elegant Banquets
#03: The Sengoku Period — How Sake Fueled Samurai Spirit and Shaped Japanese Culture
#04: The Edo Period — How Sake Shaped Izakaya Culture and Regional Breweries Across Japan
#05: The Meiji and Taisho Eras — The Modernization of Sake Brewing Techniques
#06: Early Showa Period — Wartime Sake and the Era of Sanbai Zojo-shu
#07: Late Showa Period — The Sake Boom and Japan’s Rapid Economic Growth
#08: The Heisei Era — Sake’s Renaissance and Global ExpansionIntroduction Among sake enthusiasts, one of the most anticipated events each year is the Zenkoku Shinshu Kanpyokai“全国新酒鑑評会” (National New Sake Appraisal). This prestigious competition gathers the finest new brews from…
Introduction Sake has long been deeply intertwined with Japanese life.Since ancient times, it has been a part of festivals, celebrations, and seasonal rituals, evolving alongside Japanese culture itself. By understanding…
Introduction Sake is more than just a traditional drink—it’s a living part of Japanese culture.Born from rice and water, sake has been shaped through centuries of history and mythology. In…
Introduction Known as the age of miyabi (elegance), the Heian period (794–1185) saw Japanese culture flourish like never before.Amid the beauty of waka poetry, painted scrolls, and the refined lifestyle…
The Sengoku period (1467–1603), often referred to as Japan’s “Warring States” era, was marked by constant military conflict and political upheaval. Amidst this turbulence, sake played a significant role in…
Introduction The Edo period (1603–1868) was a golden age for sake in Japan.With the rise of urban centers and a stable political climate, sake evolved from a sacred beverage into…
Throughout its long history, sake has evolved with the times, remaining a central element of Japanese culture. The Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho (1912–1926) periods marked a significant turning point, transitioning…
Sake During Wartime: The Impact of War on Brewing The early Showa period (1926–1945) was a time of significant upheaval in Japan, marked by militarization and the onset of World…
The Golden Age of Sake Consumption In the late 1950s, Japan entered a period of rapid economic growth known as the “Economic Miracle.” As incomes rose and diets diversified, sake…
The Heisei era (1989–2019) marked a transformative period for Japanese sake, characterized by both challenges and significant advancements. This era witnessed a decline in domestic consumption but also a resurgence…