Message from Prime Minister Ishiba regarding the Occasion of the Inscription of "Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Sake-making with Koji Mold in Japan" on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Message from Prime Minister Ishiba regarding the Occasion of the Inscription of "Traditional Knowledge and Skills of Sake-making with Koji Mold in Japan" on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

[Place]

[Date] December 5, 2024

[Source] Prime Minister's Office of Japan

[Notes] Provisional translation

[Full text]

I am truly delighted that Japan’s "traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making" has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those involved who have dedicated themselves to preserving and passing on this tradition.

We boast to the rest of the world about this "traditional sake-making," a craft developed by chief sake makers, called toji, and brewery workers, called kurabito. They have refined their techniques through experience by employing koji mold and adapting to the diverse climates and natural environments across Japan.

We are committed to protecting and passing on to future generations this traditional craft, which has been handed down throughout Japan. We will also seize this inscription as an opportunity to promote awareness of "traditional sake-making" both at home and abroad, and to contribute to regional revitalization and further global outreach by supporting the efforts of all those involved in this industry.

December 5, 2024

ISHIBA Shigeru

Prime Minister