The deceptively thought-provoking anime, Bartender, was released 15 years ago in Japan. From the first episode, viewers are brought into a world found in the tiny bar of Eden Hall. In this world, any soul can wander in and meet its bartender Ryu Sasakura, a man who can find anyone the perfect drink. Every guest has a story, and Ryu witnesses everyone's comings and goings with a smile on his face.
Acting as an anthology series, viewers are shown the different facets of life in Japan and the problems that come with it while learning about the history of certain cocktails. By the end of the episode, the patron of the bar will typically reach an epiphany through one of Ryu's drinks, and the audience will even be able to learn how to make it. With only ten episodes, each story is told with careful attention to detail, making sure every second counts and makes the entire viewing experience linger on the mind just like a perfect drink.
With the 15th anniversary release of the series, anyone will be able to purchase this delight to the senses and also enjoy some of the many special features, which include a clean version of the opening and ending. The party will even continue with the inclusion of Eden Hall drink coasters and multiple cocktail cards to bring some of the episode's best drinks to life.
In not so many words, not only is Bartender an anime that can't be missed by anyone who wants to watch something relaxing, but it is also the perfect addition to any anime collection. We would love to hear your thoughts on the show and the collector's edition in the comments below!
Every drink has a story, and every story has a drink to accompany it. Hidden in the Ginza district’s back alleys in Tokyo, we find Eden Hall, an intimate bar run by Ryuu Sasakura, the bartender prodigy known to mix the most incredible cocktails anyone has ever tasted. However, not anyone can find Eden Hall, but it must find you! Anime series BARTENDER, based on the best-selling Japanese manga of the same name by Araki Joh and illustrated by Kenji Nagatomo, is a charming and heartfelt anthology series that brims with captivating slice-of-life narratives and scrumptious-looking anime. Since its initial debut in 2006, BARTENDER developed a worldwide cult following. This acclaimed series was directed by Masaki Watanabe (Battle Spirits, Bakumatsu, KADO – The Right Answer), written by Yasuhiro Imagawa (Giant Robo the Animation) and produced by Palm Studios.
Bartender is available now and can be purchased on the official Shout! Factory site!