Sake Wares for The Mid-Autumn Moon Night

Otsukimi in Japan and around the world

History of the Mid-Autumn Moon in Japan

The Mid-Autumn Meigetsu refers to the custom of viewing the moon on the fifteenth day of the fifteenth month of the lunar calendar, which is August 15. According to the lunar calendar, autumn is from July to September. The 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which falls in the middle of the lunar calendar, is called Mid-Autumn. It has been believed that the moon is at its brightest and fullest during this time of year, making it particularly beautiful. Originally, the custom of moon-watching originated in China and was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). It is said that the custom of moon-watching, which was a playful pastime of the aristocrats of the Heian period, spread to the samurai and common people during the Edo period (1603-1868) and took root as a custom of expressing prayer and gratitude for the harvest of crops. It is an old Japanese custom to offer autumn harvest products, such as sake, and silver grass in September. This year, September 17 (Tuesday), 2024 is the Mid-Autumn Meigetsu.

Otsukimi around the world

As mentioned above, in China, the country where Otsukimi originated, the Mid-Autumn Festival on August 15 of the lunar calendar is a national holiday. This holiday is a major event in China, as well as Japan. It is a tradition to make offerings to the moon and spend time together as a family. The moon cake is cut into pieces and eaten in the hope of bringing happiness to the family. It is said to be the Japanese equivalent of “tsukimi dango” (moon-viewing dumplings). The Mid-Autumn Festival is also celebrated in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other Chinese regions, as well as in Korea and Vietnam.

Three requirements for a good drinking vessel

When enjoying the Mid-Autumn Moon, you should pay special attention to the choice of drinking vessels. To make the time spent sipping sake while admiring the moon even more special, a choko or katakuchi (sake drinking vessels) that combines design, material, and functionality is the best choice.

Design

First, let's talk about design. Delicate designs evoking the moon and autumn further enhance the sense of the season. Sake cups with simple and elegant forms also look great under moonlight and create a graceful atmosphere.

Materials

Next, regarding materials, traditional ceramics, porcelain, and tin are popular for the Mid-Autumn Moon, when a sense of the season is important. Ceramic and porcelain have a warmth that softens and enhances the taste of sake, while tin sake cups are ideal for keeping sake cold or at the right temperature, due to their excellent thermal conductivity. Tin has a history of being used as a sake cup since ancient times to give sake a mellow taste. The moderate luster unique to tin is also tasteful.

Functionality

Finally, functionality is also important. A choko sake cup should be comfortable in the hand, and a katakuchi one-sided spout should be easy to pour. We recommend a vessel with a wide spout and a design that allows sake to flow out smoothly, so that you can pour sake comfortably. In addition, many vessels these days are microwavable and have other modern functions. Pay attention to these aspects, as well as capacity and shape, and choose one that suits your lifestyle, drinking style, and the type of sake you drink. Spending time with your favorite sake cups will make your long autumn evenings even more special.

Luxurious moments to be savored with our recommended choko and katakuchi set

NAGAE+ | Ordi Choko and Katakuchi set

The first set of sake cups recommended by SHU. is the Ordi series, a set of two sipping cups and a katakuchi from NAGAE+, a metalworking manufacturer located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. These tin drinking vessels are manufactured using the casting techniques of Takaoka City, a city with a history of over 400 years in metalworking. They are easy to hold in the palm of your hand and can be stacked. Made of high-purity tin (99.99%: four-nine), the sake served in this vessel is exceptionally delicious, tasting mellower while maintaining the proper temperature.

→NAGAE+ | Ordi Choko and Katakuchi set

This is a gift-wrapped set of two "choko" glasses and a "katakuchi" cup.
→NAGAE+ | 【Gift-wrapped】Ordi Choko and Katakuchi set

fuuu | Sake Choko and Katakuchi set

The second is a new brand of ceramic sake cups from Touken Kiln, a Kyoto and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery company. This set includes one katakuchi and two choko. Developed in collaboration with Tamanomitsu Shuzo, a sake brewery in Fushimi, Kyoto, these cups are handmade, using a potter's wheel and the tatara technique, and are characterized by their soft, smooth texture. The choko sake cup has a thin mouthpiece and fits in one hand. The rounded shape of the katakuchi is made so that it is easy to use in everyday life, just like kyusu (teapots) and yunomi (teacups). It is available in four colors: tenmoku, blue, white, and gray.

→fuuu | Sake Choko and Katakuchi set

Sghr | “Kanazawa” Guinomi S(Black/Gold Leaf) Two Pieces and Tokkuri

Lastly, we introduce the Kanazawa Tokkuri to Guinomi three-piece set (two cups plus katakuchi) from Sghr Sugahara (Sugawara Kogei Glass Co., Ltd.). The lavishly decorated gold leaf shines beautifully against the black glass, further enhancing the taste of sake. The gold leaf sparkles in the moonlight, making the usual evening drinking time special. It is perfect for the Mid-Autumn Moon. This item is gift-wrapped, so it can be given as a present for Respect for the Aged Day.

→Sghr Sugahara | 【Gift-wrapped】“Kanazawa” Guinomi S(Black/Gold Leaf) Two Pieces and Tokkuri

Otsukimi ideas

To enjoy Otsukimi even more, you should not only prepare sake cups and dumplings, but also create a special atmosphere and presentation. Below are some specific ideas for creating a memorable evening for Tsukimi.

Tsukimi Dango and Seasonal Decorations

No Tsukimi is complete without Tsukimi Dango. The white, round dumplings symbolize the moon and are offered as a prayer for a good harvest. In addition to these, silvergrass and autumn flowers can be used as decoration to add to the ambiance. Silvergrass looks similar to ears of rice and is believed to ward off evil spirits, so use it to decorate a windowsill or table. In addition, autumn fruits and vegetables can be arranged together to create a more seasonal atmosphere.

Create an outdoor moon viewing space

If possible, enjoy Tsukimi outdoors. Set up a simple moon-viewing space in your garden or on your balcony, and prepare floor cushions or regular cushions to create a relaxing environment. You may also want to set up a simple tent. Adding soft lighting with candles or lanterns will help create a special, exciting experience. On slightly chilly nights, prepare a warm blanket and drink. It is also important to not get too cold.

Play music appropriate for moon viewing

On a quiet moon-viewing night, using calm background music is also a nice touch. Relaxing music such as healing music or slow jazz is recommended. If you also include the sounds of nature, such as the wind or running water, you will be able to view the moon with an even more peaceful feeling.

Compose poems or haiku while moon-watching

Since ancient times, there has been a culture in Japan of writing poems and haiku while admiring the moon. It can be a fun time to compose poems with friends and family that capture the atmosphere of the place and the beauty of the moon. By putting into words what you feel without thinking too hard, you can make your moon-watching experience even more special. Make the night of Tsukimi an extravagant and memorable time by incorporating these ideas. Enjoying long autumn nights with the moon will be the most relaxing time of the year.

Enjoy for a long time with proper care

Tin, ceramic, and glass sake cups each have different material characteristics, so the proper way to care for them differs. Below is a summary of how to care for sake cups made of each material.

How to care for tin sake wares

1. Immediately after use, wash in lukewarm water and clean with a mild detergent and a soft sponge.
2. Tin is sensitive to acid, so be careful not to expose it to acidic substances such as citrus fruits or vinegar for a long time.
3. After cleaning, thoroughly wipe off all moisture and dry it completely in a well-ventilated place before storing it.
4. If the surface of the tin has become dull, gently polish it with water dissolved in baking soda and a soft cloth to restore its luster.

How to care for ceramic sake wares

1. If you want to keep your sake cup in the same condition as when you bought it, we recommend that you “stop-finish” the surface. This will prevent stains and odors from migrating.
2. Soak the vessels in rice water or flour dissolved in water until they are covered and boil them over a low heat for about 20 minutes.
3. After the water has cooled, rinse the pottery well and let it dry naturally.
4. Allow the water to dry completely, especially on the underside and bottom, before storing.

How to care for glass sake wares

1. Wash with a mild detergent at the beginning of use. Avoid using a metal scrubber or cleanser, as they may cause scratches.
2. We recommend frequent polishing with a precious metal cloth.
3. If the surface becomes dull, dilute acidic citric acid or vinegar with 10 times as much water and wipe off the stain gently with a cloth.
4. If white stains are strong, we recommend using baking soda or oxygen detergent dissolved in a small amount of water.