Masu (measurement)
A masu was originally a square wooden box used to measure rice in Japan during the feudal period. In 1885 Japan signed the Convention du Mètre and in 1886 converted all of its traditional measures to the metric system.
Masu existed in many sizes, typically covering the range from one Gō to one Japanese units of measurement.
The advent of modern rice cookers and a higher calorie diet in Japan has made them impractical for measuring portions of rice, though the plastic cups used with rice cookers now have a 180 mL or one gō capacity
Today masu are largely used for drinking sake. Drinking vessels are made from hinoki, as it imparts a special scent and flavor. The drinker sips from the corner of the box, which pours it into the mouth.
Toasts are poured by stacking a pyramid of the guests' masu on a towel or cloth, with the toastmaker's masu on top. It is then overflowed until it fills all the masu beneath it. This symbolizes the generosity of the toaster to their friends and how they wish to share their happiness and good fortune with them.
- Sanjakumasu = Often used in bars to hold a 50 ml shotglass, which is then filled to overflowing to make up the difference. If the shotglass is used for sake, it is served chilled or at room-temperature. The sanjakumasu can also be used in the san san kudo wedding ceremony in the place of the sakazuki.
- Goshakumasu = Holds a half gō measure.
- Hasshakumasu = The former standard masu size, probably because 8 is a lucky number.
- Ichigōmasu = The modern standard masu size, equal to a measure of 1 gō or 10 shaku.
- Nigōhanmasu = Holds a quarter shō measure.
- Gogōmasu = Holds a half shō measure.
- Isshōmasu = Holds a full shō measure.