Green fresh ball of cryptomeria @ Fukubijin, saijo

A month has already passed since the Sake Festival, the biggest annual event in saijo, was celebrated. The first batch of saijo's sake must be ready, because Fukubijin has this green ball hanging in one of their buildings.

When their first batch of sake is ready, breweries hang a large green ball made of cryptomeria branches. It's a sign to tell the public that their sake of the year has been brewed and pressed, almost ready to be enjoyed.  They will continue their brewing and more sake will come and the sake in the tank will settle before being shipped. The green ball will gradually turn brown, which will tell you the sake is maturing and give a sense of transition.