Ochoko
お猪口
定义
A small ceramic sake cup, typically holding 30-45 ml, used for sipping sake poured from a tokkuri. The ochoko is the most common sake drinking vessel, designed for frequent small pours that maintain optimal temperature.
深度解析
The small size of the ochoko is intentional: it encourages communal pouring (where companions fill each other's cups) and ensures the sake is consumed before it cools or warms to an undesirable temperature. Shape matters significantly. A wider-mouthed ochoko spreads aromas for delicate ginjo, while a narrower cup concentrates warmth for hot sake. Many ochoko feature a blue circle (janome) on the interior bottom, originally designed for professional tasters to evaluate sake clarity and color. Collecting ochoko from different kura is a popular souvenir tradition.