October is shown as “酉” in Chinese and Japanese zodiac, which is read “Tori”. Originally, it is a hieroglyphic form for jar of Sake.

It is also the season for harvesting new rice crop and starting to brew Sake. Traditionally, the calendar for Sake brewers started with October 1.

Therefore, in 1978, the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) designated “October 1st as Sake Day” to renew the passion to pass Japan’s national Sake culture, on to future generations, and to encourage deeper understanding and love for Sake.