In the early stages of shubo (fermentation starter) production, kumikake is the process of recirculating the liquid in the shubo mash. A cylinder with small holes at the bottom is placed in the center of the shubo tank. the holes let the shubo liquid flow into the cylinder, but not much of the rice solids. A ladle is then used to scoop the liquid from inside the cylinder and it is poured over the rice to recirculate it.
