Lesson 33 Nihonshu (Sake)
Topic Question： What is “nihonshu” (sake), and how is it traditionally consumed?
No. 1: Introduction – First, try answering the question yourself.
The instructor will provide advice on vocabulary, grammar, and expression corrections.
Sample Answer－ Let’s read aloud. Instructor will check your pronunciation and accent.
Nihonshu, commonly known as sake outside of Japan, is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Its production process is unique and involves multiple steps: polishing the rice to remove the bran, fermenting it with water, yeast, and koji (a type of mold that breaks down the rice starch into sugars), and then pressing, filtering, and pasteurizing the mixture. Traditionally, sake is consumed in small ceramic cups called “ochoko” and served from a flask known as “tokkuri.” It can be enjoyed warm or cold, depending on the type of sake and personal preference. The serving temperature greatly affects the flavor and aroma. Traditionally, sake plays a central role in Japanese ceremonies and festivities, symbolizing purification and bringing people together.
No. 2: Vocabulary Building – 5 Words to Learn and Their Meanings
Pronounce the Words Correctly (Pronunciation Training) + Make Sentences Using the Words Instantly
- Fermented (発酵された, hakkō sareta): Undergone a chemical process by which microorganisms like yeast produce an alcoholic beverage through the fermentation of sugars in the rice.
“Nihonshu is a fermented beverage, its unique taste derived from the careful process of converting rice sugars into alcohol.”
- Polishing (精米, seimai): The act of removing the outer bran layer from rice grains, which is a crucial step in the production of high-quality sake.
“The degree of rice polishing affects the flavor and quality of nihonshu, with higher polish ratios leading to finer sake.”
- Pasteurizing (低温殺菌, teion sakkin): The process of heating a food, usually liquid, to a specific temperature to slow microbial growth, ensuring the sake’s stability and longevity.
“Pasteurizing sake helps preserve its flavor and prevents spoilage, allowing it to be stored for longer periods.”
- Ceremonies (儀式, gishiki): Formal religious or public occasions, typically involving a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
“Sake holds a significant place in Japanese ceremonies, embodying purity and the spirit of communal sharing.”
- Ochoko (お猪口): A small cup used to drink sake, part of the traditional serving set that includes the tokkuri.
“Sake is traditionally served in an ochoko, which is filled from a tokkuri, allowing for moderate consumption and appreciation of the sake’s flavor.”
No. 3: Key Idiom and Example Sentences
“The finer things in life” (人生の上質な楽しみ): Refers to the appreciation of high-quality and sophisticated experiences or items.
“Enjoying a well-crafted nihonshu is akin to appreciating the finer things in life, highlighting the importance of quality and tradition.”
“For connoisseurs, the ritual of drinking sake from an ochoko represents the finer things in life, a moment to savor the depth and complexity of flavors.”
No. 4: Discussion and Exchange of Opinions on the Sample Answer
Instructor: Reflecting on the sample answer, how does the traditional method of consuming sake enhance the experience of enjoying this beverage?
Student: [Opinions of students]
No. 5: Free Discussion on the Topic
Let’s delve deeper into the world of nihonshu. Discuss the different varieties of sake and how they are produced, including the impact of rice polishing ratios, yeast strains, and brewing techniques on the flavor profile. Additionally, consider how modern innovations and global influences are shaping the sake industry today. What are some challenges and opportunities facing sake producers as they strive to maintain tradition while appealing to a global audience? Finally, explore the cultural significance of sake in contemporary Japan and how it is being reimagined in the culinary world. How is sake being integrated into modern dining experiences, both within Japan and internationally?
