"My admiration for the whisky goes beyond tasting the whisky. It is the elevated Japanese craftsmanship and attention to every detail that makes Suntory Whisky so special. As an actor honing and perfecting my own craft, sharing this process is a thrill."

(Source: House of Suntory)

Barely a fortnight ago, we sat here wondering what could be the favourite tipple of superstar and all-round nice guy Keanu Reeves. We said we were merely making an educated guess, though some suggested we were grasping at straws. Did we not speculate that it was none other than the iconic Suntory? Lo and behold, we were right on the money!

The man of the hour, star of The Matrix and John Wick, the personification of kindness, Keanu Reeves has reunited with the Suntory whisky legacy once more. This comes three decades after his first piece of work with the brand in a Suntory Reserve ad.

This year, the iconic House of Suntory (which encompasses brands like Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu) commemorates its centennial year since 1923, when its founder Shinjiro Torii founded Yamazaki Distillery in the outskirts of Kyoto. His work undeniably became an iconic milestone for the world of Japanese whisky-making.

As Suntory collaborates with Keanu Reeves and appoints filmmaker Sofia Coppola to direct this campaign, this isn't just any reunion – it's one dipped in nostalgia and the distinctive kitsch style of the 90s.

Sofia Coppola, the director of the memorable Lost in Translation (2003), gives us a blast from the past with the Suntory Anniversary Tribute. This retro-styled short video montage revisits the decades of Suntory's rich history, spotlighting Suntory whisky's different iterations and advertisements that ruled the roost from the 40s through to the 90s.

Cue in the ever-charming Keanu Reeves, who was the face of Suntory Reserve campaign back in 1992. The video montage cleverly weaves in elements from Lost in Translation, evoking memories of the scene where Bill Murray charismatically proclaimed: “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.”

Keanu expressed his honour to revisit his bond with Suntory Whisky, reminiscing their first campaign together 30 years ago. "I’m a huge fan of Suntory Whisky,  so it’s very special to collaborate in honour of this milestone anniversary," said Reeves.

Later this year, Reeves will also star in a series of travel documentary shorts called “The Nature and Spirit of Japan”, directed by Roman Coppola, Sofia Coppola’s brother.

Keanu's love for Suntory Whisky goes beyond just savouring its flavours. In his characteristic earnest manner, he shared how he resonates deeply with the Japanese craftsmanship that defines the brand:

“My admiration for the whisky goes beyond tasting the whisky. It is the elevated Japanese craftsmanship and attention to every detail that makes Suntory Whisky so special. As an actor honing and perfecting my own craft, sharing this process in a [Suntory] docuseries is a thrill.”

Yes, Keanu, we know. Given how much of a certified Japanophile that Keanu is (he has professed his love for anime), it seems that he has been genuinely gushing over Suntory.

Anniversary Bottlings

Any centenary celebrations for a distiller would not be complete without limited edition commemorative bottlings.

Suntory would be release an exclusive line-up of limited edition whiskies – the rarest bottlings being the Yamazaki 18 Years Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Years Old Peated Malt, and two special edition anniversary labels of Yamazaki 12 Years Old and Hakushu 12 Years Old.

Suntory would also be investing 10 billion JPY (US$77 million) into renovating its historical Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. This is another grand gesture to mark their 100th anniversary in the whisky-making industry. While currently under renovation, these distilleries are set to open their doors again this coming autumn, ready to continue their timeless legacy. So, stay tuned for the grand reveal!

Without a doubt, the pioneering Yamazaki and Suntory have left an indelible mark on Japanese culture over the past century before becoming one of the most valued brands of whisky today. With their association with Japanese craftsmanship and presence, they have truly been a great ambassador for the whisky industry in Japan.

Here's to 100 years of Suntory, and to many, many more! Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team