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 this article, we explore the roots of sake through three lenses:
the development of rice cultivation in the Yayoi period, the creation of kuchikami-zake (mouth-chewed sake), and the sake legends found in the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest chronicle.

The Development of Rice Cultivation and the Birth of Sake

The story of sake begins with the introduction of rice cultivation to Japan during the Yayoi period, around 2,300 years ago.
Rice farming, which arrived via the Korean Peninsula, laid the foundation for Japan’s sake culture.

Rice was not just a food source—it was central to community life and religious ceremonies.
Sake, made from rice, became a sacred offering to the gods during festivals and harvest rituals.

It is believed that during this period, early forms of fermented rice beverages—the precursors of modern sake—were created.

Kuchikami-zake: The Ancient Origin of Sake

One of the earliest known sake-making methods was kuchikami-zake, or “mouth-chewed sake.”

In this method, cooked rice was chewed by people, and enzymes in their saliva converted the starches into sugars, leading to natural fermentation.
Similar techniques existed across ancient Asia, but in Japan, kuchikami-zake played a particularly significant role alongside the spread of rice agriculture.

It was a communal activity involving families and villagers,
where the act of creating sake symbolized a sacred connection between humans and the divine.

Sake Myths in the Kojiki

The history of sake is also deeply woven into Japanese mythology, as recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

One of the most famous legends features Susanoo-no-Mikoto and the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi.
To defeat the monstrous serpent, Susanoo brewed a powerful sake called Yashiori no Sake.
The creature drank the sake, became intoxicated, and Susanoo was able to slay it.

This myth highlights the sacred power attributed to sake even in ancient times.

Additionally, the Kojiki depicts scenes of gods and humans sharing sake during feasts, reinforcing sake’s role as a divine connector between heaven and earth.

Conclusion

Sake is not merely an alcoholic beverage—it is a sacred creation born through rice cultivation, nurtured by human hands and spirits, and celebrated in mythology as a bond between gods and people.

Understanding the deep cultural and spiritual roots of sake allows us to appreciate each sip not just for its flavor, but for the centuries of tradition and reverence it carries.

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The History of Japanese Sake: Exploring Japan’s Culture Through the Ages