Suntory Mixes Business and Entertainment in Anime Revival: “Bartender: Glass of God”
Brace yourselves: “Bartender: Glass of God” is hitting screens in April 2024, a masterstroke from Liber Entertainment. Based on the iconic manga series “Bartender” by Araki Joh and Kenji Nagatomo, this isn’t the first time it’s made the jump to TV. The original anime, helmed by Masaki Watanabe, hit the airwaves back in 2006.
This latest rendition showcases legendary mixologist Ryū Sasakura, who’s got an uncanny knack for crafting the perfect cocktail to drown out life’s sorrows. Under the directorial eye of Ryoichi Kuraya, the series is scripted by Mariko Kunisawa and visually crafted by character designer Yoichi Ueda.
But here’s the kicker: Suntory, the Japanese beverage giant, is also in the mix, literally. They’re not only sponsoring the show but also giving the seal of approval on all the booze you’ll see. What’s more, they’re tight-lipped but tease that their Cocktail Award 2023 winner will make a cameo in the anime.
If you’re thirsting for a sneak peek, Liber’s dropped the first trailer. Keep your eyes peeled for premium brands like Campari, Laphroaig, Martini, and, of course, Suntory whisky.
This isn’t Suntory’s first rodeo in entertainment. They’re riding high on the global acclaim of “Drops of God” on Apple TV+. That series uncorks the tale of a Tokyo wine critic’s posthumous challenge to his heirs to find the world’s greatest wine and inherit his empire.
