Sakabukuro (sake pressing bag)

A sake bag (sakabukuro, also read zakabukuro) is a bag into which moromi (fermentation mash) is placed for pressing (josou) in the sake brewing process. Sake bags are mainly made of cotton, nylon, Tetoron (polyester), Vinylon, and similar materials, and their capacity is commonly around 9 liters. When the bag is filled with moromi and pressed, it separates the sake from the sake lees (sake kasu). Envelope-shaped bags used for fukuro-zuri (hanging bag pressing) are also classified as sake bags. The sake bag is one of the important tools in sake production, and it can also be a factor that influences the quality and flavor of the sake.