Apart from sushi, sake has to be one of the greatest culinary exports of Japan. Whereas many countries have mastered their own ways of brewing beer and making wine, the art of creating this drink remains a traditional Japanese craft, looking back at a long and colorful history. At present, the various brands and schools of brewing sake have long ago entered the high class of culinary taste, while at the same time remaining available to everyone interested in it and of course its taste.
“The Story Beyond a Cup of Sake” is screening at CAAMFest Forward
In his short documentary titled “The Story Beyond a Cup of Sake” Japanese director Hironori Sakai takes a look at the craft of brewing sake, from the planting of rice seeds in the terraces to meetings of culinary connoisseurs enjoying the taste of the latest vintage. For his feature, Sakai accompanied Shuzo Okazaki and Keniichi Okazaki, owners of a small brewery in Ueda City, Nagano, an unusual institution in many ways for Shuzo is one of the few female brewing masters, or toji as they are called in Japanese. Apart from showing the production of sake, the feature, especially the conversations with the couple gives insightful views on their at times quite different philosophies on the drink and its production, while also discussing issues such as how to attract new people and international costumers to their product.
Even though Sakai's documentary cannot fully shake off the impression of being an advertising film for the Okazaki brewery, it, nevertheless, succeeds in giving interesting, even delightful insights into the world of sake. Similar to David Gelb's “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” the images and various statements touch upon the generational shift in the art of making it, a conflict between conservative views and a more open-minded approach, willing to embrace change and seizing opportunities. Additionally, there is also the challenge of meeting the different palates of a shifting costumer base, one which goes far beyond the borders of Ueda City and the few tourists tasting the Japanese speciality in the brewery's shop.
Another aspect Sakai shows in his feature is how the production process has become more open, including local farmers and also inhabitants of Ueda City. At various times the camera shows the lush countryside, the green rice paddies along with a long line of people planting the rice for the next harvest. These images highlight how the art of brewing has become an inclusive effort, showing how tradition can create a bond between people while also embracing a much larger and perhaps international customer base.
“The Story Beyond a Cup of Sake” is a short documentary about the art of making sake. Hironori Sakai shows the production while also highlighting the philosophies in brewing in an ever-changing environment, trying to keep the balance between tradition and modernity.
