Hakuhodo Japan creates an interactive whisky glass for the Suntory Hibiki harmony bar
Suntory Hibiki which means in “Harmony” is one of the best known blended whisky’s in Japan. Suntory wanted to share with the world Hibiki’s uniqueness and craftsmanship of Japanese blended whisky born from a fusion of tradition and innovations.
Hakudodo Japan created the world’s first interactive whisky glass by blending traditional Japanese design with innovative sensor technology. The invention of this brand new whisky glass, made of electric circuits reflecting the four seasons, is made in collaboration with traditional craftsmen and digital technologists. It represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, nature and technology, East and West.
Interacting with the glass, by touching it, tilting it, drinking from it and swirling the ice cubes creates unique seasonal experiences incorporating audio and visual effects. The glass affords people a new way of experiencing whisky with 5 senses.
The filmed experience was shown exclusively at selected bars and alcohol retailers. It was also shown on YouTube and created word-of-mouth interest. In response to public, “Harmony Bar Experience” events that serve whisky using Hibiki glass are planned to be held all over Japan.
Credits – Creative Director: Kentaro Kimura. Planners: Kazuakii Hashida, Hideaki Ooki, Planner/Art Director: Chiharu Shimizu. Director Kosai Sekine (Glassloft). Director: Tatsuya Saito (abcs). Product Director: Shohei Kawachi (studio crucible). Product Director: Tamon Yakushiji (AOI Pro. Inc.) Producer: Satoshi Takahashi (kichi Inc.) Assistant Producer: Masahiro Kawaguchi (AOI Pro. Inc.) Freelance Cinematographer: Yoshinori Okamura. Freelance Lighting: Atsutoshi Ueno. Production Designer: Naoyuki Hashimoto. Stylist: yoppy (juice & juicy) Hair & Make: KAORI’WS (CUBE management office) Sound Arrangements: Jemapur (office saku) Offline Editor: Taoichi Okada (STUD) Online Editor: Masahiro Kato (McRAY Corporation) Creative Director: Hideo Kato (Suntory Holdings) Creative Producers: Shizuka Masuno, Kensuke Shigeno, Yuta Mita (Suntory Holdings)