Kishimoto Kichiji Syouten Co. was inspired by Kagamibiraki, the traditional way of celebrating by breaking the lid of Komodaru with Kampai! (Cheers!) In the early Edo days, Komodaru was used to transport sake from Osaka to Tokyo. At the peak of Komodaru transportation, 1,200,000 barrels were used. Nowadays, Komodaru are used to celebrate weddings and happy moments in one's life as a part of Kagamibiraki. Kishimoto Kichiji Syouten Co., Ltd. hopes to continue the traditional ways of Komodaru with a modern touch at the same time.
What is Kagamibiraki?
There are two meanings for Kagamibiraki.
The first is to welcome the New Year with Kagamimochi. After the New Year, there is custom to break Kagamimochi (New Year's rice cake) with mallets to celebrate. We considered cutting it by knife as a taboo, therefore, specifically breaking the lid with a mallet is what makes Kagamibiraki.
The Kagamimochi was believed as the gift from God, breaking Kagamimochi to eat lets one share the strength from God for upcoming year.
The second is opening the lid of Komodaru by mallet. The lid of Komodaru and Sake barrels are called Kagami. Kagamibiraki is the action of breaking open the lid.
Japanese sake made from rice is very special to Japanese. We wish to receive and give good luck, health, success by offering Japanese sake to the Gods.
Kagamibiraki is performed to celebrate weddings, success in business with hopes of success and luck.
Offering sake to everyone after Kagamibiraki is believed to bring individuals together.
About Komodaru
A komodaru is a wooden barrel designed to transport sake during the Edo period. The daru (wooden barrel part) is wrapped with a straw mat or komo, and then tied with rope. The komo is often used as a “label” of sorts to distinguish between various brands of sake. While komodaru still store sake, most are used as a decorative piece in Japanese restaurants and bars to showcase the brands they offer at their establishment.
Komodaru are also used for celebrations in Japan, such as for weddings. Kagamibiraki, is a tradition when the lid of the barrel (called kagami) is opened with the tap of a mallet. After the komodaru is opened, a toast is made to wish happiness and success for the newlyweds.
Today Kishimoto Kichiji Shouten continues to manufacture komodaru just as in ancient Japan; each barrel is hand-made to perfection. These komodaru customs and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation for over 400 years.
A Message from the President, Toshihiro Kishimoto
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Kagamibiraki is the traditional way of celebrating by breaking the lid of Komodaru with Kampai. We created this company to spread our joy of celebrating to the world. In the beginning, Komodaru was used only to transport sake from Osaka (Itami and Nada) area to Tokyo (Edo) to protect the sake in the Edo period in Japan. At the peak of Komodaru transportation, 1,200,000 barrels were used. Nowadays, we use Komodaru to celebrate wedding and/or any special moment of one's life as a part of Kagamibiraki. We, Kishimoto Kichiji Syouten Co., Ltd. would like to continue using our traditional ways with a bit of a modern touch at the same time. Website: https://www.komodaru.co.jp/en/
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