Posts by Yee

Introducing The Masu, A Traditional Japanese Sake Cup

masu japanese sake cup

Hello everyone! This is Yee.

Japanese sake is popular both in Japan and around the world.
Many have probably tried the taste of Japanese sake before, but how many have actually done it the traditional way?

This time, we’ll introduce one of our highly sought after products – the traditional Japanese sake cup, also known as masu.

What is a masu cup?

masu japanese sake cup

Shaped like a square wooden box, Masu (枡 or 升) was originally used to measure rice. From the 1950s to the 1960s, the usage of masu cups to consume sake gained popularity.

Masu cups are made from cypress, a rare type of wood which is highly durable. Masu cups are used in the kagami biraki ceremony, which involves the opening a sake barrel. The sake from the barrel is filled into the masu cups and then consumed. Nowadays, the kagami biraki cermony is held at prosperous occasions like weddings and business opening events.

kagami biraki sake barrel

The photo below will give you a better idea of what a kagami biraki ceremony is like.

kagami biraki sake barrel ceremony

The kagami biraki ceremony was held to commemorate the construction of a tunnel. The ceremony was held in the tunnel itself!

Event21 provides complete support for the kagami biraki ceremony! The sake barrel and other related items are available for rent or sale!

Why do people drink from masu cups?

Cypress gives off a wonderful aroma, which is said to enhance the taste of sake. So, rather than drinking from a regular glass, the masu cup can value-add to your sake drinking experience. Of course, if you prefer not to have the cypress scent getting in the way, you could always choose a masu cup made of cedar.

cypress hinoki scent masu

Other than the aroma, drinking from a masu cup allows you to enjoy sake the traditional way. It is truly a different experience from drinking sake out of a normal glass or cup.

Modern variations of the masu cup

Nowadays, masu cups are not only made of wood. They can be made from a variety of materials like ceramic, glass, metal, plastic and more!

mini clear masu japanese sake cup urushi masu japanese sake cup

We have masu cups in all shapes and sizes available for sale! Even if you don’t live in Japan, we can ship the masu cups to anywhere in the world!

Want to learn more about masu? Or perhaps interested in getting your very own masu cup? Check out Event21’s masu cup website here.

 

 

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