SAKE blog
Published: 2020.01.07
Last modified: 2026.09.13
【Eto of 2020】 Zodiac and Japanese Sake / HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020 ~
Happy New year 2020!!!
Hope all of you will have a great Sakefull year!
Japanese Zodiac “Eto”(干支)
In Asia country, including Japan, we celebrate the year with 12 animal characters for 12 years: so-called Japanese Zodiac “Eto”(干支). For example, 2019 was a year of Boar, and it will be next Boar year in 2031.
In addition, Eto consists of 10 Kan and 12 Shi.
Shi means animals. In order of Rat 子, Ox 牛, Tiger 寅, Rabbit 卯, Dragon 辰, Snake 巳, Horse 午, Sheep 羊, Monkey 猿, Rooster 酉, Dog 戌 and Boar 亥.
Kan is like a number. In order of Kinoe 甲, Kinoto 乙, Hinoe 丙, Hinoto 丁, Tsuchinoe 戊, Tsuchinoto 己, Kanoe 庚, Kanoto 辛, Mizunoe 壬, Mizunoto 癸.
2020 is the year of Kanoe Rat 庚子. This year means Regrowth and prosperity.
Therefore, we can say that it is the timing for challenging to the new things.
ikki expects all the sake people challenges regardless of their location!!!
If you find the Sake with animals printed on the label, it might be Eto. Please look for it and feel the vintage.
Thank you for your time!
Have a great year!!!
President & CEO, Kobayashi Junzo Shoten Co., Ltd.
Based in Osaka, I lead Kobayashi Junzo Shoten, a sake wholesaler founded in 1890. Through the cultural richness of Japanese sake, my mission is to connect people and bring smiles to dining tables around the world.
While technology continues to make the world feel smaller, the stories and traditions behind sake brewing can easily fade into the background. I see my role as a bridge—sharing the passion of brewers, opening doors for new audiences, and delivering sake in a way that feels more approachable and relatable.
I enjoy visiting sake breweries, learning about new rice varieties and brewing techniques, and spending time with toji (master brewers) and kurabito (brewery workers) to experience the spirit of sake-making firsthand. On this blog, I’ll share those encounters, my personal insights, and tips to help you enjoy sake even more.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you.
Latest Articles
One stop Quotation Inquiry System
Quick SAKE Quote (QSQ) is a quotation inquiry system where you can receive quotations instantly. In most cases, it takes time to get a quotation for importing Sake, especially when dealing with several breweries. If you finally get an answer after a week or so, the response may be, “They already have a partner in your country,” and you have wasted your valuable time. Let's start your Sake import business efficiently with QSQ!
Read About QSQ
Contact Us
Quick SAKE Quote(QSQ hereafter) is a quotation inquiry system you can receive Quotation instantly.
Join our mailing list
Quick SAKE Quote(QSQ hereafter) is a quotation inquiry system you can receive Quotation instantly.
we will share content that:
Clear and explain the point without too much words.Contains at least one figure or clear example.Make you learn something new, or at least to remind you of it.