At Kanpai to Sake Day, “Kanpai” is more than just a toast — it’s a celebration of community. Every time we raise our glasses, it’s a chance to connect, to honor friendships, and to embrace the spirit of being together.
This year, we’ll take that spirit to the next level with a huge Kanpai ceremony, featuring the traditional Kagami Biraki — often called the barrel-breaking ceremony in the U.S. In Shintoism, the mirror is considered the path to the gods.
In this Kagami Biraki — literally, “mirror opening” — we break open the top of the sake barrel to reveal the smooth surface of the sake, which represents the mirror itself. By opening the path to the mirror, we invite the highest level of good fortune, making this one of the most special and sacred moments of celebration.
As you know, DC Sake cō stands for community collaboration and connections. I cannot wait to share this Kanpai moment with you all! Let’s open the barrel, raise our glasses, and shout Kanpai together! — Celebrating this amazing sake-loving gathering!
Reiko, Founder of DC Sake cō
