A ball of Japanese Cedar (Sugi or Cryptomeria Japonica) branches that is hung outside of a sake brewery at the start of the brewing season. The needles change color from green to brown as the brewing season progresses. This change in color is a symbolic marker of the progression of sake production. Sugidama can also be seen hanging in front of or inside any shop, restaurant or business as a symbol that that business specializes in sake. Outside of a sake brewery, in retail or restaurant settings, many Sakabayashi are artificial. This type of cedar branch ball is more often called a “Sugidama“.

Also See Related Terms:

• Sugi
• Hinoki
• Sugidama

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