Do you know about “sugidama”?

Hello, this is Migita Honten.

Have you ever heard of the “sugidama,” the decorative ball hung outside sake breweries?
It is made by shaping cedar leaves into a round form and is traditionally hung at the brewery’s entrance to mark the completion of the first batch of sake for the year.

Initially green, the sugidama gradually turns brown over time.
This color change historically served as a way to inform customers of the sake’s aging process.

Nowadays, with proper refrigerated storage, many breweries can offer fresh, new sake flavors all year round for everyone to enjoy!