Andaz Tokyo Toramon Hills in Tokyo has a New Year’s tradition of bringing an expensive sake barrel to the lobby and sharing its contents with the guests.
American DUMBfluencer couple managed to destroy the barrel by washing their hands on it while filming the experience. The staff later removed the barrel, replacing the sake experience with pouring it from bottles.
You can access Andaz Toramon Hills here.
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Note that the images used in this piece are from the hotel’s social media feed and are not associated with the incident.
Apparently, this “social media influencer” media couple had walked to the barrel and thought that it was a good idea to wash their hands on it.
Even food and glasses around the barrel didn’t give them enough hints that they should not wash their hands on Sake barrel, which holds 72 liters.
You would think that the smell of Sake would have made them rethink the purpose of this barrel, but perhaps they are inexperienced travelers and do not have much cultural background, so they thought this was okay.
Japan’s Sake Barrel Tradition:
In Japan, the tradition of sake barrels, known as “kagami biraki”, is often associated with New Year celebrations. The practice involves breaking open a sake barrel with a wooden mallet, typically at ceremonies or events to mark the beginning of the year. This tradition symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and the sharing of blessings.
The sake barrel itself is decorated with a “taru” design, often bearing the kanji for “good luck” or “happy new year.” The sake from the barrel is poured into smaller cups and shared among attendees to celebrate the new year. This is not only an act of celebration but also a gesture of hospitality and a way of inviting luck and good health.
Conclusion
There is a reason why some Japanese are a bit tired of tourists unfamiliar with Japanese culture and social norms.
How on earth some thought that it would be a good idea to wash their hands on a $2,000 barrel of Sake that had to be put down a drain after the incident?
You cannot always be sure of the local traditions, and my advice is to observe them slowly to see how locals behave rather than rushing to do what you believe is the right thing while filing them.
I wish the hotel had hit them with a 300,000 yen bill for destroying the barrel.
