Paper short abstract:

This work will analyze the origins of the production of sake and its introduction to the Japanese archipelago during Protohistory, as well as the productive methods of this alcoholic beverage. Afterwards, the possible ritual consumption of this drink will be studied.

Paper long abstract:

It is well known that alcoholic beverages were probably produced in mainland China before 1st Millennium. Nevertheless, it is difficult to affirm the existence of sake in Jōmon Japan, although alcohol was not unknown in the Yellow Sea Interaction Sphere. In fact, some ancient Chinese written sources show that fermented fruits/cereal wines were already being produced during China’s Bronze Age, and Chinese ceramic repertoires point at a much earlier production.

Alcoholic beverages have been used, along with other psychotropic substances, in numerous cultures to promote drunkenness or "contact with the other world", in order to reach an alleged state of enlightenment and union with divinities. The Japanese islands are no exception to this rule. In fact, sake has been, and still is today an active part in many religious

rituals, ranging from libations to commensality feasts.

This work will analyze the origins of the production of sake and its introduction to the Japanese archipelago during Protohistory, as well as the productive methods of this alcoholic beverage. Afterwards, the possible ritual consumption of this drink will be studied.