Japanese sake exports up 70% as more foreign fans raise a glass

UNESCO to recognize unique brewing method on its heritage list

20241105N Wasake Asakusa

Sake has played an important role in Japanese festivals, weddings and religious ceremonies. (Photo by Tokuyuki Matsubuchi)

SAYAKA SAITO and SARA MORI, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Japanese sake, which is set to make a UNESCO list for its traditional brewing technique, is in the midst of an international boom, with exports soaring 70% in three years.

Sake plays an important role in Japanese festivals, weddings and religious ceremonies. As tastes have diversified, domestic consumption has been on the decline since peaking in the 1970s, but it is becoming more popular overseas.

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