History:

The ancient Japanese sake ceremony called "Kagami Biraki"or "Kagami Wari" in Japanese, literally means "open mirror" or "break open mirror".

Approximately 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 over 2,000 years ago, 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.

Kagami Biraki, the breaking open of a wooden Taru (sake barrel) lid with a wooden mallet, signifies the start of a sacred ceremony or special occasion and also a new beginning; an official opening ceremony, a new partnership, new product launch, new office opening, new business venture, wedding, engagement or special birthday celebration.

Sun Masamune currently offers rental "Kagami Biraki Set", including Taru, wooden Taru lid, Go-Shu SuperDry 18L (sufficient for over 100 guests), colourful Happi coats, ladles and wooden mallets. The traditional white cedar Masu cups are also available for purchase. For more information please contact us.

Preparation:

1. Place a Taru at the centre of stage area, ensuring the Taru is stable as it will be struck during the ceremony.
2. Pour sake into a stainless steel container inside the Taru, then place a wooden lid on top.

Ceremony:

1. Special guests (generally three or four) to be invited to wear Happi coats.
2. Speeches
3. Special guests are invited to pick up wooden mallets (placed on the lid); when ready
4. Special guests to hit the lid to open the sake barrel (do not hit too hard as sake might splash out.)
5. Using wooden ladles to pour sake into Masu wooden sake cups for all guests, and when ready
6. The MC/chairman proposes a toast by calling Kampai !" (Bottoms up! / Cheers!)

All guests are invited to refill their Masu cups.