Some time ago you may have seen Prime Minister Abe pouring Sake for President Obama Sushi Jiro during the US President’s official visit to Japan. The use of Sake is integral to Japanese culture and building relationships. Although SakePortal exports Japanese Sake we can not export the culture! But we hope we can give you a deeper insight into the Sake drinking culture.
The slow, careful and reflective Sake is sipped over an extended moment of quiet or discussion. The Sake sharing between two people builds a deep bond in Japan and confirms a sense of being. This is called “Kizuna”.
It is similiar to wine culture, people drink Sake to relax, have a deep discussions, or maybe sip lightly with bites of food or bits of snack. Whether between family, friends or businessmen , the gesture of cheering with an o-choko cup of sake, a slight bow of thanks and a lowering of the cup back to the table or counter, is one way relations are deepened in Japan.
“Connection of the Sake heart and mind.”
When drinking Sake, a small cup called o-choko is used. The purpose of using this small cup is to repeatedly pour each other a cup of Sake. By repeating this it is said that a connection of heart and mind is deepened or Kizuna (a mutual bond) is developed. With this very tiny cup o-choko, the Sake is gone in just a sip. It is also Japanese Sake custom to be aware of the other person’s cup and continue to refill each other’s o-choko. By doing this the other person knows you aware and thinking of them and they will do the same in return, thereby it is said that a bond or Kizuna between each other is born.
SakePortal encourages clients to experience the Sake drinking culture and build kizuna with friends, new friends and family. Hopefully you will enjoy with SakePortal exported Sake!