What Are Ochoko? 6 Things to Know About Japanese Sake Cups

by Cassandra Lord | LIFESTYLE

Tan Tokoname Sake Set by Yamadatoen, available at Japan Objects Store

While Japanese sake has started to gain recognition around the world, the international conversation might not yet have got around to what to serve it in. And while it’s certainly possible to serve it up in a regular glass, if you want it to feel more special or traditional, you might want to reach for an ochoko.

But if you’re wondering what exactly an ochoko is, wonder no more! Here we’ll explain the ins and outs of ochoko sake cups, including where to buy them and how to use them.

1. What is an Ochoko?

Zen Gold Ochoko by Ninshu, available at Japan Objects Store

An ochoko (お猪口), sometimes just called a choko”, is a sake cup. The name’s roots come from a word meaning ?are teh unpretentious or small thing, hence the usual simple designs.

Ochoko are almost always small, with a capacity of around 20-90ml (⅔

to 3oz), and often look about the same size as a shot glass. You will regularly see them alongside a sake bottle, called a tokkuri (徳利).

Goma Bizen Ware Sake Set by Hozangama, available at Japan Objects Store

You might also come across ochoko with two blue rings inside on a white base. These are called kikichoko, and are used for sake tasting.The rings are a standard color, so by examing the rings through the liquid an experienced sake drinker can to judge the sake’s clarity and gloss.

2. A Brief History of Ochoko

The Tale of Genji (Chapter 11) by Utagawa Kunisada, 1849

Although ochoko seem like the kind of thing that might have been around for as long as sake, they have a relatively short history.

Originally, the small ochoko had a different place on the dinner table. They were used to hold vinegars and sauces, much like the small pots of dipping soup you get if you order zaru soba in Japan today.

Fond of Drinking by Utagawa Kunisada, 1863

It wasn’t until the Edo period (1603-1867) that the small cups came to be used for drinking sake. It was around this time that sake was starting to have a higher alcohol content, meaning those small cups were perfect for sipping instead of gulping down the drink.

3. What are the Different Types of Ochoko?

Sou White Ochoko by Ninshu, available at Japan Objects Store

For many, the first image of an ochoko that comes to mind is a ceramic one. But there are actually all kinds of different ochoko.

Each type of ochoko is said to alter the taste or mouthfeel of the sake:

Pottery: The rounded edges are said to create a softer mouthfeel, and enhance the sweetness of sake. For warmed sake, it produces a mild effect.

Ceramics: Although similar to earthenware in its softer mouthfeel, its lightweight material is said to go better with rich and dry sake.

Tin: Tin is said to mellow out the flavors of sake, and goes particularly well with warm sake.

Photo by ウィキ太郎(WikiTaro), Sake by the Glass

Ochoko can be made with almost anything, from glass to titanium, so we won’t cover them all here. But trying out different materials when drinking sake adds another layer of intrigue to an elegant tasting.

4. What are the Differences between Ochoko and Other Sake Cups?

Dragon Ochoko by Ninshu, available at Japan Objects Store

Ochoko are not the only cups for sake, though, so let’s take a look at the difference between them and the other types.

Ochoko: A small cup holding 20-90ml of sake. The wide mouth and thimble-like shape allows the drinker to get a good sense of the sake’s smell. The most common form of cup at establishments when sharing sake or ordering a tokkuri, and the most varied in shape and size.

Sakazuki: The oldest type of sake cup, most commonly used for ceremonies. It is wide and shallow, raised by a small platform, and holds only a few sips.

Guinomi: A larger (though not big) glass that was traditionally used to enjoy sake more informally. Often made of ceramic or, more recently, glass.

Masu: A wooden open box often made with Japanese cypress. These became popular to show a proprietor’s generosity. At drinking establishments these days they often have a glass inside, and the sake is poured to overflow from the glass into the masu, giving you a generous portion.

Wine glass: More recently, people sometimes use white wine glasses to drink sake and enjoy its subtle nuances. Some sakes that are drunk over ice may even be poured into an Old-Fashioned glass.

5. How to Use an Ochoko?

Tokoname Ochoko by Yamadatoen, available at Japan Objects Store

When presented with a tokkuri (small sake bottle) and an ochoko, there are certain ways to pour and receive your sake.

If you are pouring the sake, look for the dent on the side of the tokkuri. Pour the sake so it comes out from the opposite side of the dent. Without touching the ochoko with the bottle, pour in the sake to fill the cup to about 80% of the way. Traditionally, you would only pour sake for others.

If you are receiving sake, it is customary to hold the ochoko in your hand, and not leave it on the table. There is no right or wrong way to hold the cup. Some may hold it with their right and support with their left for an elegant look, while others might adopt the “samurai hold”, holding the rim with the thumb and forefinger and supporting the base with the other fingers.

These days, tradition and custom are not always observed, though, so don’t worry if you can’t remember what to do!

6. Where to Buy Ochoko Sake Cups?

If you’re in Japan, it is easy to find ochoko at kitchen shops and home good stores. For something more traditional or unique, you can seek out one of the kitchen streets dotted around Japan, like Kappabashi in Asakusa, Tokyo.

If you’re not in Japan, however, there are plenty of options to buy ochoko or sake sets (with a tokkuri) online, including right here. Check out our collection at Japan Objects Store to find your favorite handmade sake set.