original_query: What is the specific role of Aspergillus oryzae in the production of alcoholic beverages in East Asia?
query: What is the specific role of Aspergillus oryzae in the production of alcoholic beverages in East Asia?
answer: In East Asia, Aspergillus oryzae is used to saccharify rice, sweet potato, and barley in the making of alcoholic beverages such as sake and shōchū.