Bekuhai (distinctively shaped sake cup)

The bekuhai (可杯) is a sake cup with a distinctive shape. It usually has no rounded base, and it is designed so that the sake does not spill when the cup is lifted to drink. However, the sake will leak out unless the drinker holds it in place with a finger or supports it with the palm, so the cup calls for drinking its contents in one go. Because of these characteristics, the bekuhai is often used to enjoy sake at lively drinking gatherings and on special occasions. Part of its appeal is that using it adds a sense of tension and fun to the act of drinking.