My Neighbour Totoro

Sake event at the opening gala and world premier of the beloved Ghibli classic stage debut

23^rd October, Matsuo Barbican Centre

When Japanese culture takes the spotlight, other elements of the culture are often featured accordingly. Sake was desired at the opening gala of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s world premiere of the My Neighbour Totoro stage adaptation. Organised by the prestigious Japan House London, and with the sponsorship of Japan Sake and Shochu Association, they prepared a stunning range of Sake to compliment the evening. In addition, Sake professionals were on hand to provide their expertise and serve the beverage for over 700 VIPs, including leading actors from the production.

The UK theatre scene plays an important part in British culture and, at times, attracts larger global attention. When deciding to bring the 1988 animated feature film by Hayao Miyazaki to the West End stage, by its original composer Joe Hisaishi, this RSC adaptation became a popular topic of conversation. Upon tickets going on sale, records where immediately broken for Barbican box office sales for a single day. Tickets were in such high demand that the show subsequently sold out entirely.

The event was an incredible opportunity to raise awareness of sake by showcasing its enormous potential within the confines of the entertainment industry, and the platform this provides. We hope that events of this scale and exposure continue to promote sake, with its rich Japanese heritage, further into the wider world.