Sake is often consumed as part of Shinto purification rituals.
Sake served to gods as offerings prior to drinking are called o-miki (御神酒) or miki (神酒).

In a ceremony called kagami biraki, wooden casks of sake are opened with mallets during Shinto festivals, weddings, store openings, sports and election victories, and other celebrations.
This sake, called iwai-zake ("celebration sake"), is served freely to all to spread good fortune.

At the New Year many Japanese people drink a special sake called toso.
 Toso is a sort of iwai-zake made by soaking tososan, a Chinese powdered medicine, overnight in sake.
Even children sip a portion.
In some regions, the first sips of toso are taken in order of age, from the youngest to the eldest.
Sake is often consumed as part of Shinto purification rituals. Sake served to gods as offerings prior to drinking are called o-miki (御神酒) or miki (神酒).
In a ceremony called kagami biraki, wooden casks of sake are opened with mallets during Shinto festivals, weddings, store openings, sports and election victories, and other celebrations. This sake, called iwai-zake ("celebration sake"), is served freely to all to spread good fortune.
At the New Year many Japanese people drink a special sake called toso.  Toso is a sort of iwai-zake made by soaking tososan, a Chinese powdered medicine, overnight in sake. Even children sip a portion. In some regions, the first sips of toso are taken in order of age, from the youngest to the eldest.
Sake