Japanese sake production will be registered as a cultural heritage by UNESCO – Observador

A UNESCO panel called for the inclusion of the traditional production of sake, a Japanese drink made from the fermentation of rice, on the list of intangible cultural heritage of Humanity, it was announced this Tuesday.

The assessment body of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced a recommendation for traditional Japanese preparation to be registeredaccording to Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs.

The traditional process of making sake was established over 500 years ago and evolved from traditional techniques such as steaming riceadapting to the climate and culture of the different regions of Japan.

This alcoholic drink, produced by ‘toji’ brewmasters, plays an essential role in Japanese culture, ceremonies and festivalsand has been transmitted over time, being deeply linked to nature, pointed out the same panel.

Japan has a large number of heritage assets registered on this list and the traditional sake brewing techniques, as well as the distilled spirits ‘shochu’ and ‘awamori’, will be Japan’s 23rd intangible cultural heritage.

The recommendation must be formalized at a meeting of an intergovernmental committee, which will be held between December 2nd and 7th in Paraguay.