About Sake  Go-Shu Australian Sake
Sake has been known since the dawn of Japanese civilisation, and probably since rice was first introduced to Japan from Asia about 2,000 years ago. It is an alcoholic beverage produced from rice in much the same way that beer is brewed from wheat and barley, but it is termed a rice wine because its alcohol content is similar to grape wines. In short, sake is brewed like a beer, but is served and enjoyed like a fine wine. Sake has had an honoured role throughout the evolution of Japanese society. In early times, sake drinking was an integral part of celebrating the harvest and was offered to the gods when praying for peace and prosperity. Konishi, Sun Masamune’s parent company, started brewing sake in Japan in 1550 as a sideline to its herbal medicine production.
Kagami Biraki - Sake Ceremony
The traditional Japanese sake ceremony called "Kagami Biraki", literally means "break open mirror". About 300 years ago, Tokugawa Ietsuna, the 4th Shogun, held a banquet at Edo Castle, gathering together all his people to celebrate the beginning of a new battle. He displayed a mirror and danced in front of it and then prayed for victory in the forthcoming battle ahead. This battle proved successful and victorious for Shogun Tokugawa and this was the beginning of "Kagami Biraki".
Since sake was first produced, sake has been revered and treated as sacred as it is considered spiritually refreshing. To this day, sake is still offered and dedicated when attending a religious shrine whilst one prays for peace and prosperity. Sun Masamune offers rental Kagami Biraki kit. This rental kit enables you to organise an authentic Kagami Biraki ceremony to smash open the lid of a large sake barrel which represents an opening to harmony and good fortune. The kit is available for opening and wedding ceremonies, sporting events, festivals and other special occasions.