SUNTORY Opens "Kaku Highball Garden" for the 80th Anniversary of Kaku Bottle

Suntory Spirits opened the "Kakubin 80th Anniversary Kakuhai Ball Garden" at the Roppongi Hills Grand Roof Plaza in Minato Ward, Tokyo, for a limited time from August 31 to September 3.
First released in 1937, Kakubin established an unshakable position through the expansion of the whisky market during Japan's post-war high economic growth period, maintaining its enduring appeal. It continues to grow, fueled in recent years by the popularity of highballs.
The Kakubin bottle design features a cut-out tortoiseshell pattern, a symbol of longevity, said to be inspired by Satsuma Kiriko glassware. Interestingly, the product label never bore the name "Kakubin." Instead, the bottle's shape led people to spontaneously call it "Kakubin," a name that later became its official product name. This episode illustrates how widely Kakubin is loved.

At the opening event held on the first day, President Takumi Senba stated, "After focusing our efforts over the past decade on creating demand for products like Kakubin Highball, we expect to achieve record sales this year. We hope you enjoy ice-cold Kakubin Highball and freshly fried karaage at the Highball Garden opening today."

Following the screening of the new Kakuhai Highball TV commercial "New Face," which airs starting September 2nd, actress Haruka Igawa, who has played the bar owner in the series since 2014, made an appearance.
The latest installment features young actor Yuma Yamoto as the bar's "new face." He joins the conversation among regulars Ryo Kase, Pierre Taki, and Kei Tanaka while tasting Ikawa's signature "Haikara" (highball and karaage) for the first time. The ad depicts the comical banter between the bold yet endearing Yamoto and the well-matched regulars, while Ikawa watches with a gentle, warm smile. This, combined with the Kakuhai Highball, creates a memorable commercial.

Regarding the commercial shoot, Ikawa commented, "It felt like a fresh breeze when the new face appeared. The subtle nuances of their conversation were also interesting." She added with a smile, "You could feel everyone's spirits lift when the savory aroma of karaage filled the set. I enjoyed some myself after filming."

Toasting to celebrate the 80th anniversary and the garden's opening, she remarked, "After all, the pairing with 'highball' is truly perfect. Its timeless flavor, which complements any dish and never grows old, is why it's loved for so long." Ikawa, who also enjoys highballs privately during summer, mentioned she's often asked to make them at parties and shared tips for making a delicious one.
"I really hope you'll visit the Highball Garden," he stated.
Official website: http://www.suntory.co.jp/news/article/12977.html