Suntory interactive glass gives drinkers a sense of the seasons

The glass uses sensors to create audio-visual effects representing the four seasons. Tilting, tapping and drinking from the glass produces a variety of sounds and causes a synchroised backdrop to display moving silhouettes symbolic of different weather scenarios.

A film showing drinkers experiencing the glass has been screened at selected bars and retailers, and on YouTube (above).

Hibiki translates as ‘harmony’ in Japanese. With the development of a new sensory experience, Suntory aims to convey its ethos of fusing tradition with innovation, according to a statement from Hakuhodo Kettle, the agency behind the initiative.

Suntory plans to hold ‘Harmony Bar Experience’ events featuring the technology around Japan.

The company recently worked with TBWA Hakuhodo to give drinkers the chance to design their own 3D ice sculptures for use in drinking its products.

Japan has among the highest whisky consumption rates in the world, and domestic whiskies still account for the majority of volume growth. Suntory’s main rivals Kirin and Asahi both have their own ranges of blended whiskies as well as single malts. Earlier this year, Suntory acquired Beam for US$16 billion.

Credits

Client: Suntory
Agency: Hakuhodo Kettle
Production company: AOI Pro
Creative director: Kentaro Kimura
Art director/planner: Chiharu Shimizu
Producer: Tamon Yakushijii