traditional sake press

A sakabune (also read fune) is a piece of equipment used in sake production, mainly for pressing the sake (joso). It takes the form of a wooden vat. Sake bags (sakabukuro) are placed inside, and the moromi (fermentation mash) is pressed. This pressing separates the refined sake from the sake lees (sake kasu). The sakabune plays an important role in traditional sake brewing and affects the flavor of the sake, so it is also a stage where the skill of the craftsmen is put to the test. It is commonly referred to by the shortened form "fune" (槽) as well.