Japanese sake brewing added to UNESCO intangible heritage list

4th December 2024

Japanese sake that is listed as a nominee for Intangible Cultural Heritage is displayed on Japan’s delegation table, during an UNESCO World Heritage Convention, in Paraguay on December 4th.

The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honoured a tradition dating back some 1,000 years – sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, The Tale Of Genji, as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court.

“Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” said Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO.

The sake market in the UK is growing steadily over time and this recognition will surely accelerate the popularity of sake all over the world.