Why call it 'Sake'?

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.