A UNESCO advisory panel has recommended registering Japanese sake brewing techniques that use kōji mold onto the intangible cultural heritage list, the Cultural Affairs Agency announced Tuesday.

A final decision is expected to be made at a UNESCO intergovernmental committee meeting scheduled for Dec. 2 to 7 in Asuncion, Paraguay.

Culture minister Toshiko Abe expressed her gratitude for the selection and said she is hopeful the recommendation will be accepted by the committee.