The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky, reflects upon 100 years of innovation with a new centennial-themed campaign. The celebration involves star studded parties, a video tribute, documentary short and photography collection created by Academy-Award-winning director Sofia Coppola, featuring actor Keanu Reeves, who appeared in the Suntory Reserve 1992 ad campaign.
This milestone celebration invites Coppola back to Japan twenty years after filming Lost in Translation, a cult classic starring Bill Murray. The film saw Coppola coin the phrase “Suntory Time” – the theme of the Anniversary Tribute. Coppola traces the House’s long history and depicts the meaning of “Suntory Time” through the eyes of its creator. The Suntory Whisky Anniversary Tribute tells the remarkable story of the brand’s heritage and whisky-making legacy over the last 100 years, depicting the meaning of “Suntory Time” through the eyes of its creator.
More than an iconic line in a brilliant film, “Suntory Time” continues to evolve and gain recognition in Japanese whisky culture. Twenty years after the release of Lost in Translation, it is still embraced and echoed across the globe in connection with our world-renowned spirits. It all started with a glass of Hibiki, but today there is a “Suntory Time” for every individual, every occasion, and every friend we meet along the way.
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of master blenders. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation with their subtle, refined and complex product.
The House of Suntory is known for its premium Japanese whisky and produces various gins and vodkas. Each product is meticulously detailed and designed for unexpected cocktail pairings like the Toki Julep – a lively and floral take on the mint julep made with their signature Toki whisky.
Later this summer, Reeves will star in a series of documentary shorts titled: “The Nature and Spirit of Japan,” directed by Roman Coppola. The series explores Japanese whisky culture inspired by harmony with nature (Wa), elevated by Japanese craftsmanship (Monozukuri) and enjoyed as an authentic Japanese cultural experience (Omotenashi). The docuseries will balance education and entertainment, aiming to foster a deeper exploration of the House of Suntory and Japanese culture overall.
The House of Suntory is also releasing several limited-edition whiskies highlighting the Japanese craftsmanship at Suntory’s whisky distilleries. The release includes their Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt whiskies. Limited 100th-anniversary labels of the flagship Yamazaki 12-Year-Old and Hakushu 12-Year-Old will also be released for the centennial.
To discover more, visit: house.suntory.com
All imagery courtesy of House of Suntory.