A second adaptation of the popular manga Bartender by Araki Joh and Kenji Nagatomo is currently airing this season. The first adaptation aired 17 years ago, and now it is back with a new anime entitled “Bartender Glass of God”. While older anime fans may flock to this adaptation like a 12-year vintage, new fans may hesitate to watch, especially since its subject matter is as niche as high-grade alcohol. However, there is a variety of things to be enjoyed with this series for both old and newcomers.
A reboot with a new coat of paint
17 years ago, the first adaptation of Bartender aired. The animation studio behind it was the now defunct Palm Studio and was helmed by director Masaki Watanabe and written by Yasuhiro Imagawa. While the manga was given a good adaptation the first time around, now there are new faces to bring the story back to the screens. Bartender Glass of God is being handled by Studio Liber (The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague), directed by Ryōichi Kuraya (Tsugumomo, Farming Life in Another World), scripts by Mariko Kunisawa (Ascendance of a Bookworm, The case files of Jeweler Richard) and character designs by Yōichi Ueda (Gangsta., The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window).
The Sponsors
An anime about the art of mixing drinks and serving them to patrons is more immersive if the viewers can tell and recognize what is being concocted before them. If you enjoy that aspect of viewing, you’ll be happy to hear that Suntory Holdings Limited, a Japanese liquor company that has been in business for 100 years, joined in the role of Production Cooperation. They will support the series through collaboration and by supervising the liquor used in the show. While this does not sound that exciting, their partnership will ensure authenticity when it comes to the drinks mixed and served in the anime.
Based on real drinks
Continuing from #2, the sense of authenticity is on full display after episode 1. The alcohol used so far is real and can be bought. One of these is the Get 27 liquor to make a Grasshopper. Another is a Smirnoff vodka that was mixed with Cointreau to make a Cosmopolitan.
Just the right vibe
The plot of the anime follows bartender Ryu Sasakura, a genius at mixing and serving the right drink to the right customer. While at Eden Hall, customers of all walks of life, with their own problems and burdens, arrive at the hall for a drink and a kind word with Ryu where both of these assist them in easing their problems and revive them for another go at life. While people may have reservations about an anime that may glorify the consumption of alcohol, it makes sure that things to keep in mind when drinking out. In episode one, Ryu mentions the importance of not having an empty stomach when drinking strong alcohol. While it is good to enjoy and take a load off, Ryu Sasakura is there to make sure everyone gets the best experience on their night out.
You can watch it on YouTube
Ani-One Asia licensed several anime shows for spring 2024, including Bartender Glass of God. If you’re in the Philippines or any other streaming territories, you’ll be able to watch it now on their YouTube channel. The anime airs every Thursday at 00:00 (UTC+8).