Discover the brilliance, charm and unconventional life of legendary Japanese bartender Keichi Iyama, creator of the world-famous Yukinugi cocktail. Since claiming the first prize at the 1958 Kotobukiya Cocktail Competition, enthusiasts have flocked from all over Japan to sip on Keichi Iyama’s iconic drink, and listen to Mr. Iyama’s tales from behind his bar in Yamagata. Now in his nineties, Iyama’s life and reflections are woven together with a fascinating history of cocktails in Japan, making this a must-see for foodies in the realm of Jiro Dreams of Sushi and the recent Hot Docs hit, Come Back Anytime.

Presented in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Toronto.

Japan Through the Lens: From cocktails to design to queer activism, explore the many layers of the unique country of Japan through five fresh finds rarely screened in North America.

Streaming until November 25 exclusively to Hot Docs Members. Join now to watch for free.

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