SAKEKASU: WHO SAID IT’S JUST LEFTOVERS?

Tell me, have you ever tried Japanese sake? Sake is not only delicious but it’s also healthy. However, you shouldn’t forget the existence of “Sakekasu”, which is even more nutritious than sake. Interestingly, the word “Kasu” in Japanese can have a negative meaning of “leftovers” or “unnecessary things.” But this kind of leftovers is a perfect example to support the proverb, “残り物には福がある” (Nokori Mono Niwa Fuku Ga Aru: There’s a fortune in leftovers).

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the amazing Sakekasu, that comes from the process of making sake. And if you’re visiting Japan, I’ve got some recommendations for Sakekasu souvenirs you should definitely check out.

What is Sakekasu?

Firstly, although Japanese sake is known for its typically clear color, it’s made by pressing Moromi, a thick mixture of rice and koji, to separate the liquid. And what’s left behind becomes what is called Sakekasu. Despite being the leftovers, Sakekasu contains many nutrients that were concentrated during the sake-making process. Moreover, it has 7 to 8% alcohol and is hard enough to hold in your hand. In fact, due to its consistency, Sakekasu was often called “tenigiri-zake” (handheld sake), during the Edo period.

When the Moromi isn’t separated into sake and Sakekasu, it becomes “Doburoku”. In the Asuka and Nara periods, people tended to offer this thick and milky Doburoku to the gods as a prayer for a good harvest.

Over time, Doburoku naturally separates into 2 layers. The clear top layer was usually served to the nobility as it was easy to drink, while the bottom Sakekasu was for lower-ranking officials. Sakekasu was even mentioned in the Manyoshu, Volume 5 “貧窮問答歌” (A Dialogue on Poverty) by Yamanoe no Okura. Manyoshu is Japan’s oldest poetry collection from the late 7th (629~641) to the 8th (759) century. The poem highlights the struggle of the poor official and the even poorer person’s response, reflecting the common people’s hardship.

Official’s citation:
『風雑へ　雨降る夜の　雨雑へ　雪降る夜は　術もなく　寒くしあれば　堅塩を取りつづしろひ　糟湯酒　うち啜ろひて　咳かひ　鼻びしびしに　しかとあらぬ髭かき撫でて　我を除きて　人は在らじと　誇ろへど　寒くしあれば　麻衾引き被り布肩衣　有りのことごと　服襲ひぇども　寒き夜すらを　我よりも　貧しき人の父母は　飢ゑ寒ゆらむ　妻子どもは　吟び泣くらむ　此の時は　如何にしつつか　汝が世は渡る』

Here’s a simple translation:
『On stormy, snowy nights, there’s no way to stay warm. I lick some salt and sip hot water with Sakekasu, but I’m still coughing, and my nose is running. I touch my beard and think, “There’s no one tougher than me”. But even with my boasting, it’s too cold. So I wrap myself in thin hemp cloth, layering all the clothes I have, but it’s still a freezing night. I wonder how much worse it must be for those poorer than me. Parents must be starving, and their wives and children must be crying. I wonder, how do they cope with nights like this?』

In the poem, the hot Sakekasu drink is noted. If you add sugar to hot Sakekasu water, it becomes today’s amazake, a sweet, fermented rice drink.

Interestingly, while we often associate amazake with winter, it’s actually considered a summer drink according to 季語 (seasonal word). Amazake is rich in glucose and has been cherished as a “drinkable IV drip”. Furthermore, cold amazake was a popular summer beverage in the past. However, since it spoils easily in Japan’s hot and humid climate, it eventually became more common to drink it in winter.

For more details on amazake, be sure to check out this blog.

What Are The Benefits of Sakekasu?

The main nutrients of Sakekasu are peptides, dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, B vitamins, adenosine, and resistant proteins.

These elements have the following effects on the body:

• Keep blood pressure at a low
• Improves constipation and intestinal condition: Sakekasu contains approximately 5g of dietary fiber per 100g, which is about 10 times more than the rice we typically consume.
• Improve cold intolerance
• Prevents lifestyle diseases
• Whitening effect: It was said that “the hands of sake brewers are always white and beautiful.”

Recommended Sakekasu Food, Products, and Experiences

Next, I will introduce some tips on not only where you can enjoy it but also what specialty Sakekasu-related items you need to try whilst in Japan!

Tamanohikari Sake Brewery (Sakekasu Specialty Restaurant & Shop)

Tamanohikari Sake Brewery has been crafting sake since 1673 in Wakayama and now in Fushimi, Kyoto. Their sake is made from 100% rice, offering pure Junmai Ginjo and Junmai Daiginjo. At their restaurant, you can savor special dishes made with Sakekasu and their original sake.

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FzcWgQzikR8RRmkP8

Hida Shirakawa Village “Doburoku Festival”

In Shirakawa-go, the Doburoku Festival is held annually from late September to October, where people pray to the mountain gods for bountiful harvests, family safety, and village peace. Traditional Doburoku is offered not only to the gods but also to the participants. So make sure to plan a trip to Gifu Prefecture in October to experience this unique festival!!

More info: https://www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp/2223.htm

Sakata Hakko (Doburoku)

Sakata Hakko, located in Yamagata, is a brewery specializing in real Doburoku. Unlike the Nigorizake (lightly filtered sake) which you often find in supermarkets, their Doburoku is the real one. If you can’t visit the Doburoku Festival in Hida Shirakawa, this is a great opportunity to try!

Places where you can buy their products: https://sakatahakko.com/dealers

Official Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lok9duHfZg2SbXZ97

Wafood Made (Sakekasu Face Pack)

The face mask of Wafood Made contains Sakekasu from Kawazu Sake Brewery in Kumamoto. I love this product because it smells amazing and makes my skin super soft and hydrated. To use it, just cleanse your face, pat it dry a bit, apply the mask, and then rinse off with warm water after 5-10 minutes. There are various items such as Sakekasu cleanser, Sakekasu face pack, Macha face pack, etc. However, please definitely try the Sakekasu face pack. It can be found at most Japanese drugstores or places like Plaza.

Online shop example: https://www.p-dc.com/shop/c/c0039/

Ko-bo Shushu (Lake Country Raw Cheesecake)

They offer a set of six different cheesecakes, each served in a traditional sake cup. The six different Sakekasu are utilized from breweries in Shiga Prefecture and each one has its own unique flavor, making it a perfect gift, especially for friends who love sake. Moreover, the sake shot glasses are a super charming souvenir for sure!

Online store: https://chouchou11.shop-pro.jp/

Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BCA5giQk3t2zd9Tp6

Overall, Sakekasu has a long long history. If you are visiting Japan, especially in October, make sure to visit the Doburoku Festival. Moreover, Sakekasu’s flavor, texture, and nutritional value can vary depending on the sake brand and the pressing method used, so I hope you get a chance to try them all and find the one you like the most! There’s nothing better than surrounding yourself with local Japanese culture when you visit the country, and one of the best ways to do this is by enjoying all the different kinds of sake. Inspired to have some Japanese sake and experience their history? Check out our Sake Tours in both Hiroshima and Kyoto!

Featured Photo Credit: hirosumu

If you’re on a trip to Kyoto you should also try our Evening Kyoto Luxury Sake, Whisky, and Cocktail Tour for an extra special night in Japan!