Three things to look forward to at Matsuri presented by Suntory

When hearing the word hanabi, you may immediately think of the colourful fireworks festivals taking place all over Japan throughout summer. However, the term also stands for the DJ performance group Hanabi, who hit Tokyo’s party scene with a bang in 2015.

Centering around Tsugaru shamisen (a traditional three-stringed instrument) player Yuji Kubota and shakuhachi (vertical bamboo flute) artist Masaki Nakamura, Hanabi create traditional Japanese sounds spiced up with contemporary dance beats.

While Hanabi perform on both event days, DJ Daruma (member of the creative unit PKCZ) & Jommy and DJ Moe will entertain the crowds on Friday December 13. Reiji Okamoto, drummer of the Japanese rock band Okamoto’s, and Hirapark will take over the stage on Saturday December 14.

This unique club event wouldn’t be called Matsuri if you couldn’t find any typical festival-themed decorations on site. While Hanabi already gives you an insight on traditional Japanese sounds, paired with electro beats and fancy lighting, you can also look forward to an interior that's being adorned with dozens of paper lanterns and parasols, giving the event its classic Japanese ambience.  

Make a beeline to the bar counter, which not only serves Suntory’s signature beer The Premium Malt’s and its craft gin Roku: it also boasts a tall bonsai tree, demonstrating Japanese craftsmanship. Instagrammers should make sure to get a shot in front of the teahouse-inspired photo spot on the first floor, complete with red benches and colourful parasols, plus Japanese-style folding fans to pose with.

Enjoy the rich taste of The Premium Malt’s
Raise your spirits for a night out with Suntory’s aromatic and rich The Premium Malt’s. This first-rate brew was created in 2003 and uses natural spring water, umami-rich ‘diamond’ malt, and hops imported directly from farmers in the Czech Republic. Kanpai!

Roku Gin takes you through Japan’s four seasons
Your first sip of Suntory’s smooth and silky Japanese craft gin Roku will leave an unforgettable impact on your taste buds: its name roku (six) refers to the drink’s six seasonal botanicals – sakura flower and leaf, green tea, gyokuro (premium green tea), sansho pepper and yuzu peel – that are also embossed in the bottle’s hexagonal design. Together with its label, printed on Japanese washi paper graced by a calligraphic kanji character reading the number six, this craft gin unites different genres of Japanese craftsmanship.