Matching Japanese drinks with films

Love films? Love Japanese drinks? Ever wondered what you should be drinking to compliment the movie you are watching? Probably not. But let’s go through a few anyway!

*Author’s Note: This article is well intentioned, fun bullshit, peppered full of personal opinion. Of course you can drink whatever you want, watching whatever you want. Not to be taken seriously.

 

Source: IMDB

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

This is one of my favourite summer films. Hayao Miyazaki’s beautiful landscapes of rolling rice paddies fills my senses with the smell of cut grass and fresh air. I recommend pairing this viewing with a sweet and delicate sparkling sake, such as Shochikubai Shirakabegura Mio.

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Source: IMDB

Battle Royale (2000)

Oh, you are gonna need a stiff drink for this one! Set in a dystopian future, teenagers disrespect their elders and have no faith in their future. Each year, a class of unruly students are stranded on an island with a randomly assigned weapon. They have only two options: kill or be killed. Only the one last surviving teenager may go home. Some scenes are a hard watch, so match with a robust Japanese whisky, with a high alcohol percentage. I advise Nikka from the Barrel (51.4%).

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Source: IMDB

Lost in Translation (2003)

Ok, not a Japanese film per se, but as the location is mostly in Tokyo, lets let it slide. Sophia Coppola captures the traditional-meets-modern essence of Japan in this 2003 comedy. It contrasts some of the most heart-wrenchingly stunning shots of traditional cherry blossom in Kyoto with the urban cool nightlife of Tokyo. My favourite scene is washed up actor Bob Harris (Bill Murray) struggling to film an advert for Suntory whisky, whilst drinking apple juice. For optimal fun times, play along with your own glass of Suntory Chita whisky. All together now, “For relaxing times….”