Cask Sake Day (Taruzake no Hi)

What Is Taruzake Day?

January 11th is "Taruzake no Hi" (Cask Sake Day) in Japan. It was established in 2009 by Choryo Shuzo Co., Ltd., a sake brewer based in Koryo, Nara Prefecture, and is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. January 11th is the day of "Kagami Biraki," when kagami mochi is opened, and because breaking open the lid of a sake cask is also called "kagami biraki," this date was chosen. The day expresses the brewer's wish to pass on the custom of serving and sharing cask sake to the next generation as part of Japanese culture.

"Kagami Biraki" With Sake Casks

At celebrations, breaking open the lid of a straw-wrapped sake cask with wooden mallets is called "kagami biraki."

• Why the lid is called a "mirror": Sake shops have long called the top lid of a sake cask the "kagami" (mirror). It is also called "kagami nuki," but "kagami biraki" is more commonly used because "hiraku" (open) is considered lucky.
• A celebration staple: At wedding receptions, celebratory parties, building completion ceremonies and New Year parties, the kagami biraki -- with participants swinging their mallets down in unison -- is a popular way to celebrate a new beginning.

The Aroma of Cask Sake and Yoshino Cedar

Taruzake is sake stored in cedar casks, and its hallmark is the fresh, woody aroma of cedar. Fragrant cedar is used for sake casks, and Yoshino cedar from Nara Prefecture -- the founder's home region -- has long been known as a material for casks. If the sake stays in the cask too long the wood aroma becomes too strong, so judging the right time to drink it is important.

Fun Facts About Cask Sake

• Komodaru: The straw matting wrapped around the cask is called "komo." It was originally used in the Edo period to protect casks when sake was shipped from the Kamigata (Kyoto-Osaka) region to Edo, but because it looked impressive it came to be used at celebrations too, leading to decorative "kesho-komo" with colorful designs.
• Four-to casks: The large casks often seen at celebrations are "shitodaru," holding four to (about 72 liters). Casks for kagami biraki with less sake inside, to keep the price down, are also sold.
• Drinking from a masu: Drinking cask sake from a wooden masu box is said to enhance the woody aroma. Some people also enjoy it with a little salt placed on the corner of the masu.
• Preparation in advance: Before the ceremony, the top of the straw wrapping must be opened so the lid can be broken easily, so often everything is prepared beforehand and participants only tap the lid with their mallets.

Ways to Spend Taruzake Day

• Enjoy cask sake infused with the aroma of cedar, either chilled or gently warmed
• Celebrate the New Year with sake alongside oshiruko made from your kagami mochi
• Learn about the timber used for sake casks, such as Yoshino cedar, and the craft of cask making
• If you're organizing a New Year party, consider including a kagami biraki

With its woody aroma, cask sake has long livened up celebrations. On January 11th, why not reflect on the culture of cask sake and kagami biraki? Please enjoy sake in moderation.