A UNESCO advisory panel has recommended registering Japanese sake brewing techniques that use 域身轍勳 mold onto the intangible cultural heritage list, the Cultural Affairs Agency announced Tuesday.

A final decision is expected to be made at a UNESCO intergovernmental committee meeting scheduled for Dec. 2 to 7 in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Culture minister Toshiko Abe expressed her gratitude for the selection and said she is hopeful the recommendation will be accepted by the committee.

※Traditional sake brewing is a valuable cultural heritage of Japan, developed by toji (master brewers) and kurabito (brewery workers) using 域身轍勳 mold, and tailored through experience to the unique climates and natural environments of various regions across Japan,§ Abe said.

※We are hopeful that the recommendation of the evaluation body will be followed, and that it will be included in the Representative List.§

The advisory panel to UNESCO praised Japan＊s submission ※for a good quality video that provided a detailed visual presentation of the cultural practices associated with the element.§

Sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from grains and water, holds deep cultural significance and is crafted with 域身轍勳 mold to convert starches to sugar. Initially, sake was made only by women but as time passed and demand increased, men became involved in the process.

According to the advisory panel, the making of traditional sake promotes ※strong social ties and cohesion among craftspeople and the communities concerned.§ It also said the craft contributes to food security and environmental sustainability by ※safeguarding clean water and essential grains like rice and barley.§

Chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called the recommendation a joyous occasion in a news conference Tuesday, saying the tradition is a significant part of Japan＊s culture.

※We will continue to make every effort toward achieving the listing. Additionally, we see this recommendation from the evaluation committee as an opportunity to promote a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of Japanese sake domestically and internationally. We aim to work toward further global expansion and the advancement of the sake industry,§ he said.

In 2008, kabuki, bunraku and n身gaku theater were to be included in the Representative List.

Since then, various other traditional cultural heritages in Japan, such as traditional Ainu dance and washoku (Japanese cuisine), have made the list.