The name “Yaegaki” (八重垣) can be broken down into three characters: 八=eight, 重=layered or overlapping, 垣=fence or wall. This word was taken from the very first poem of the ancient Kojiki (古事記, literally “Records of Ancient Matters”), the oldest extant chronicle of Japanese history.
This famous poem records the words of the great deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto (スサノオノミコト), the Shinto god that pioneered the area now known as Himeji. It expresses his joy as he welcomes his newly wedded wife to their new palace.
The word “yaegaki” appears in the poem in reference to the many layers of clouds (figuratively expressed as eight layers of walls) that surround their new palace, signifying the celebration of their marriage and Susanoo-no-Mikoto’s love for and protection of his new wife.
Hence, we use the name Yaegaki as a symbol of celebration and the joy that sake can bring to people’s lives.