Why are sake cups so small? Expert: Japanese people rush to pour for each other

By Rita

A geographically small and densely populated environment often reflects in cultural characteristics, and Japan is a prime example. Meals come with numerous small dishes, proportionally tiny gashapon toys, and food models — when it comes to precision and detail, few in the world can surpass Japan.

Traditions developed through the wheels of history not only amaze but also baffle,“Why do you drink sake in such small cups?”Japanese people would never ask themselves this question, butfor New Yorker Timothy • Sullivan (Timothy Sullivan), it’s an intriguing question,After trying Japanese sake ten years ago, he dedicated himself to promoting it and became an expert on Japanese sake. Here are his observations and answers:

▲ Japanese sake (Photo / Darzhi / Illustration)

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“It’s a kind of small ‘ritual’ in Japan. Japanese people consider it very rude to pour sake for themselves, so when they’re dining with friends, they’re always glancing around to see if others’ glasses are empty. When they notice, they pour for them — it’s mutual. Sothe cups are usually made very small, allowing this ‘actively pouring for others’ ritual to continue.”

He also mentioned that although sake has a thousand-year tradition, it became a more complex beverage in the 1960s. The quality of sake greatly improved, with both aroma and texture becoming increasingly similar to wine. As a result, Sullivan personally recommends drinking sake from a wine glass, as the design of the glass allows one to focus on the aroma.

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