LIFE CYCLE OF RICE
Life Cycle of Rice traces the transformation of rice through Japan’s ancient traditions and rhythms of life. Beginning at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, where echoes of the past still resonate, to the sake brewery in Niigata.
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The national beverage, sake, is a declining cultural tradition. There has been zero increase in breweries since post-war era due to regulations, and family-run businesses struggle with succession, modernisation, and adapting to changing market dynamics. The aging population, the primary sake consumers, contributes to the overall decline. Younger generations turning to beer, wine, and other beverages further reducing sake consumption.
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As the decline in traditional sake brewing mirrors broader challenges in craftsmanship, such as the vanishing art of making kioke, wooden barrels. The shift from kioke to stainless or plastic tanks has resulted in only on wooden barrel maker left in Japan, therefore there is an urgent need to preserve these traditional practices.
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As the decline in traditional sake brewing mirrors broader challenges in craftsmanship, such as the vanishing art of making kioke, wooden barrels. The shift from kioke to stainless or plastic tanks has resulted in only on wooden barrel maker left in Japan, therefore there is an urgent need to preserve these traditional practices.
