Mizukiri (draining the soaked rice)

Mizukiri (draining) is the step in sake brewing in which polished rice is removed from the soaking tank and excess water is properly drained off. It takes place after the rice has absorbed the amount of water it needs, and it is carried out so that the rice does not retain too much moisture. The time the rice is left to drain after mizukiri is called the "draining time" (mizukiri jikan). It is an important point in sake brewing, and careful management is required to keep the rice in a suitable condition for the next step, steaming.