SAKÉ ETIQUETTE

The Japanese system of etiquette is probably one of the oldest and most complex in the world. There is a prescribed code of manners governing much of what a person does and how it is done and the serving and imbibing of saké is similarly governed by its own set of standards.

To begin with, when men speak of saké they simply say, "saké." Women, on the other hand, typically use the honorific "o" prefix designated for things of status or honor such as o-cha for tea or o-kome for rice. So for women, saké is usually referred to as o-saké.

In serving saké, the first rule is never to pour saké into one's own cup. Saké is always poured by either a host or hostess but more commonly, individuals in a group pour saké into each other's cups. When pouring, the flask should be held by one hand at the top with the palm facing down.

The second rule is to always hold the saké cup gently in both hands while it is being filled. Once the saké cup is full, it is polite to bow your head in appreciation, and place the filled cup on the table in front of you. Once everyone's cup has been filled, it is customary to make a toast with a hearty, kanpai - then to take a sip. If someone offers to refill another's cup although it is still full, it is polite to take at least a small sip before the cup is filled again. The best way to communicate that one has had enough to drink is to simply place the full saké cup on the table.

The etiquette which governs saké is also commonly applied to all other drinks including beer, soda, juice and tea.

Saké is usually enjoyed with food, and there is a special cuisine which is popularly served with saké called otusmami. Otsumami consists of many different little dishes of traditional Japanese delicacies. Some are more exotic and strictly seasonal such as spring vegetables, certain fish roe and seaweeds; while sashimi, eda-mame (steamed soy beans) and oshinko (Japanese pickles) are among the more common.

Saké is traditionally enjoyed with Japanese food, however, it is also an excellent compliment to a variety of other Asian cuisines such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Thai as well as pasta, seafood and even certain meat dishes.