The term “sake” is often used in Japan to denote alcoholic beverages in general,
including wine, beer and whisky. Sake itself is also called “Nihon-shu” or “sei-shu.”
The element “shu” in these words is written with the same Chinese character as
“sake” (酒). This character has the readings “sake,” “zake” or “shu.” “Nihon” means
Japan, so “Nihon-shu” refers to the traditional alcoholic beverage of Japan. The
“sei” in “sei-shu” means clear.