A Study on the Establishment of the Capacity of the Shi-gou Bottle and the 300-mL Bottle in the Introduction and Development Process of Bottled Sake

Abstract

Although the Shi-gou（四合）or 720-mL bottle is commonly used as a standard for sake containers, the origin of its capacity is still debated. This article provides an overview of the introduction of glass bottles and the establishment of domestic production systems, the introduction and development process of bottled sake in the sake industry, and their effects. This article conducted inference regarding the factors behind the origin and establishment of the Shi-gou and 300-mL capacities from historical documents. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), glass bottles were introduced, and the empty imported Western liquor bottles were initially used. Domestic production systems began to be established around 1887 (Meiji 20), and mechanization progressed around 1906 (Meiji 39), gradually strengthening production capacity throughout the Taishō era (1912-1926). In the sake industry, the production of bottled products began on a full scale around the end of the Meiji era (1868-1912). During the Taishō period, the market for bottled sake expanded. This resulted in the establishment of "bottle merchants" who collected and sold empty bottles, and a structure for reusing bottles unique to alcoholic beverages and soy sauce. The Shi-gou bottle is inferred to have originated from Western liquor bottles (known as "reputed quart" bottles), which had a standard capacity of about 750 mL, and the 300-mL bottle was introduced in response to the metric system. It is also inferred that this capacity became established as standards due to the coexistence of domestic and foreign bottles and the reuse of bottles by "bottle merchants".