World Sake Day 2024

Kampai !

I have had sake on a very limited number of occasions. My first taste was dining on the Ginza in Tokyo. I'm afraid that the drink was cloudy and harsh but this was a preferred brand consumed with great relish by the locals and I just jumped right in and was enthusiastic for the experience. Subsequent tastes of the drink — and the place where my taste for sake itself was cultivated was at Inakaya Watanabe on Saint Andrews at Jamil Road in Saint Andrews, Columbia, SC.

My friend Ryo-San served it up periodically and I partook of several different varieties. He introduced me to my first truly refined mild brand translated as Gentekken Tiara over the Moon. It became a quick favorite of mine and I didn't bat an eye at the eighty dollar bottle — which was a magnificent work of art I might add. Another mild favorite sake of mine is the fruity and subtle Haiku. Oh, how intoxicatingly wonderful. It will light you up like a Christmas tree.

Even though my frequency of visitation has diminished over time, every time I dine at Inakaya Watanable it is a new taste sensation which leaves me anticipating my next visit.

Today is World Sake Day aka Nihonshu no Hi, held since 1978 under the auspices of Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.

It marks the beginning of the annual rice harvest. It is observed each October 1 annually to recognize sake and its contributions to Japanese culture, ceremonies, and celebrations. Indeed each visit to Inakaya Watanabe is a celebration. The day also hopefully cultivates an appreciation for sake.

So regardless of whether you reside in Japan or elsewhere this day remains for all sake aficionados internationally.

See Also:

International Sushi Day 2022
World Sake Day 2023
International Sushi Day 2024
National Chopsticks Day 2024