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 Visitors to Momokawa Brewing headquarters are greeted by Japan's largest "sugidama," or cedar ball, which symbolizes the company's commitment to becoming Japan's No. 1 saké brewer.
Sugidama, also known as "sakebayashi" (saké forest), decorate the entrances of saké breweries around the country and signify the ancient role that Japanese cedar plays in the production and drinking of saké. At the end of each year, the withered sugidama is replaced with a fresh, green one as an offering to the gods for the previous year's yield. The Giant Momokawa Cedar Ball measures 2.2 meters in diameter and weighs roughly 1,100 pounds. |
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