It was announced that the slice-of-life manga series Bartender written by Araki Joh and illustrated by Kenji Nagatomo will be adapted into a new television anime in April 2024 under the title of Bartender: Glass of God. A teaser visual and character design for the series protagonist, Ryū Sasakura, was revealed for the announcement.
First serialized in Shueisha’s Super Jump magazine from 2004 to 2011, Bartender focuses on the genius bartender who uses his talents to ease worries and soothe the souls of troubled customers. The manga has been adapted into a TV anime series in 2006, and a Japanese television drama starring Arashi’s member Masaki Aiba as Ryū aired in 2011.
The main production staff for the series includes Ryouichi Kuraya (Farming Life in Another World) as director, Mariko Kunisawa (Orient season two) as series screenwriter, and Youichi Ueda (High-Rise Invasion) as character designer and chief animation director. Liber is handling the animation production for the anime. Suntory, a known liquor brand in Japan, will also participate in the production process supervising the liquor featured in the anime.
Director Kuraya expressed enthusiasm about the work and it would encourage the audience to go out for a drink. Screenwriter Kunisawa commented, “The bartender and the bar-goers weave together a sweet, spicy, bitter, and refreshing cocktail just like the story of Bartender, a work that adults can enjoy with a drink in hands.”
▍Bartender: Glass of God Anime Synopsis
Situated in the Ginza district of Tokyo is Eden Hall, a quiet bar that few people manage to come across. It is run by the legendary bartender Ryuu Sasakura, a genius at mixing the right drink for the right customer. Throughout his period at Eden Hall, customers from all walks of life, carrying all sorts of burdens, arrive for a godly glass at the Hall and a kind word with Ryu, both of which assist in clearing their problems up and reviving them for another go at life.
▍Bartender: Glass of God Anime Staff & Production
Original Work: Araki Joh and Kenji Nagatomo [Published by Shueisha]
Director: Ryouichi Kuraya
Series Composition: Mariko Kunisawa
Character Designer/ Chief Animation Director: Youichi Ueda
Animation: Liber