Japanese Sake - UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List
In December 2024, Japanese sake brewing was officially added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It’s global recognition of sake’s deep cultural roots, the people, places, and practices that have quietly sustained Japan’s national drink for centuries.
UNESCO
UNESCO doesn’t hand this out lightly. Each entry has gone through a multi-year process to be considered by the panel. The list is a way to protect living traditions at risk of fading. Everything from Neapolitan pizza-making to Korean kimchi culture. It’s about passing on knowledge, honouring heritage, and encouraging the next generation to care.
For Japanese sake, this means international awareness, government support, and likely a wave of curiosity from new drinkers. It puts small-town breweries and hyper-local customs on the world stage.
Why now is the time to explore
Like all cultural waves, this one will grow. Right now, sake is still beautifully niche in Australia. There’s space to discover, to taste the differences between prefectures, and to support passionate brewers who do it the hard way.
At Sake Nami, we’re not just riding the wave. We’re helping you catch it early. Get in on it!
