---
title: "Japan's centuries-old sake tradition recognized on UNESCO cultural heritage list"
description: "ASUNCION, Dec 4 (Reuters) - UNESCO recognized Japan's ancient process of sake brewing as an \"intangible cultural heritage\" on Wednesday, which producers hope will boost global interest in the traditional rice wine that dates back centuries but has waned in popularity at home."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Cultural heritage"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-05-japans-centuries-old-sake-tradition-recognized-on-unesco-cultural-heritage-list/"
published: "2024-12-05T04:31:57"
updated: "2024-12-05T04:31:59"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 220
---

# Japan's centuries-old sake tradition recognized on UNESCO cultural heritage list

> ASUNCION, Dec 4 (Reuters) - UNESCO recognized Japan's ancient process of sake brewing as an "intangible cultural heritage" on Wednesday, which producers hope will boost global interest in the traditional rice wine that dates back centuries but has waned in popularity at home.

By Reuters · Published 5 December 2024, 06:31 SAST · Updated 5 December 2024, 06:31 SAST

## Key points
- In a toast to tradition, Japanese delegates at a UNESCO meeting in Paraguay celebrated their country's sake being added to the intangible cultural heritage list—proof that while domestic interest may be waning, the global palate is still thirsty for a taste of Japan's fermented finesse.
- Japanese representatives celebrated UNESCO recognition of sake by sampling the traditional beverage in Paraguay.
- Sake, made through a beer-like fermentation process, is integral to Japanese culture but faces declining domestic demand.
- Producers hope UNESCO's endorsement will boost exports and rekindle local interest in sake.
- The recognition also highlights other cultural practices, including Asturian cider and Guatemalan barrel-making, added to UNESCO's heritage list.

## Content

Naturally, Japanese representatives at a UNESCO meeting in Paraguay marked the occasion by sampling some sake.

The beverage is made over several weeks by fermenting a mixture of rice, water, yeast and a colorful mold known as koji, in a process more akin to making beer than wine. The end results can be served hot, cold or at room temperature.

While sake plays a significant role in Japanese society and tradition, often served during ceremonies and special meals, demand has ebbed for the drink domestically even as international demand grows.

Sake [producers hope](https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?search=all%3AL3N3MZ0KA&linkedFromStory=true) UNESCO's recognition accelerates their exports and reinvigorates enthusiasm for the beverage at home.

"We are very happy," said Japan's permanent representative to UNESCO, Takehiro Kano.

"Being recognized internationally by this mechanism will renew the interest of Japanese people in this area, and that could lead to more momentum for transmitting these skills and know-how to the next generation."

UNESCO, the United Nations' education, scientific and cultural agency, admits practices, pieces of art or skills to its intangible cultural heritage list to foster their preservation for future generations.

UNESCO delegates also approved Asturian cider culture in Spain and the making of giant barrels in Guatemala, among other items and practices admitted to the [list](https://ich.unesco.org/en/home) on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Daniel Desantis; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Tom Hogue)