Sake is the spirit of “wa” (harmony)

Hello. This is Ayako Yoshida of bien (美宴).

In 2013, I founded bien (美宴) with the mission of bringing “wa” to the world!

Since then, through my various activities, I have been made to contemplate the many meanings of “wa”.

What image does it evoke for you?

Since I work to spread sake around the world, for me “wa” is above all the essence of Japanese culture as a whole — kabuki, calligraphy, flower arrangement, tea ceremony, kimono, and so on.

I believe Japan is a treasure trove packed with truly charming culture.

And yet, this single character “wa” that represents Japan…

Recently, it strikes me how very profound it is.

Drinking brings joy, and even strangers, even people of different nationalities, grow friendly.

I truly think sake is contributing to world peace!

Of course, drink too much and honest feelings clash and a fight breaks out — that happens too.

It is the “wa” of peace, and the “wa” of human relationships.

Unlike wine, sake has a culture of pouring for one another, doesn't it?

These days it's more common to each drink from a larger glass,

but with a small sakazuki cup, you constantly attend to the other person — “after you, after you” — dissolving barriers and warming the relationship.

The “wa” of soothing harmony

A heart that cares for others, gentle consideration, thoughtfulness.

This, I believe, is the beautiful Japanese spirit.

And touching briefly on the making of it,

wine is made by crushing harvested grapes and fermenting them. Set against wine's simple method,

sake, through the skill of the kurabito (蔵人), transforms steamed rice into rice koji and yeast,

then brings it all together. The answer to a sum is called “wa,” after all.

Transforming the rice and finally adding it all together — harmonized by the hands of the kura's toji (杜氏), a delicious sake is completed.

The “wa” of harmony

Sake is not merely an alcoholic beverage, but a drink filled with the Japanese spirit, tradition, and human kindness.

Going forward, I want to keep treasuring the “wa” of connections with wonderful people and share the appeal of sake with the world.

Thank you for your continued support.

bien (美宴)

Representative, Ayako Yoshida