Exclusive Screening + Q&A: "The Spirit of Japan” (RSVP Required- link in description)

Japan Society of New Orleans' Japanese Cinema Series presents a free screening newly released documentary about shochu, family & tradition... The Spirit of Japan!

Must RSVP here: https://www.japansocietyofneworleans.org/event-6261709?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=7/15/2025

Date: Friday, July 25th
Time: Sampling begins @ 6pm, Screening starts @ 7pm
Place: The Shop at the CAC (3rd Floor), 900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Cost: FREE! Open to the public! But registration required!
https://www.japansocietyofneworleans.org/event-6261709?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=7/15/2025

Come prior to the screening beginning to get a sample of the shochu featured in the film! This shochu is NOT available in Louisiana outside of this event! Shochu samples & snacks courtesy of Honkaku Spirits.

Immediately following the screening, an in-person Q&A session will commence with Director Joseph Overbey & Executive Producer Stephen Lyman to discuss the film, shochu, & more!

Tell your friends, and hope to see you there!

Movie Summary:

The Spirit of Japan is the story of the Wakamatsu family, who have been making the traditional Japanese distilled spirit, shochu, at their Yamatozakura Distillery in Kagoshima Prefecture since the 1850s. We follow 5th generation toji (master brewer/distiller) Tekkan Wakamatsu (41) as he takes the traditions passed down by his father Kazunari Wakamatsu (77) and strives to adapt to a changing world. The film follows Tekkan, while he balances the rigors of making handmade shochu, running the family business, and maintaining a healthy family life.

In a world of mass consumerism and commodification, the Wakamatsu family have maintained the 500 year old tradition of brewing and distilling sweet potato shochu by hand. Director Joseph Overbey and Producer Stephen Lyman lived with the family and began the project of documenting their craft in 2016. The Spirit of Japan offers a rarified and intimate cinematic portrait of shochu making and home life in a modern, rural Japan.

Official Selection: 2025 Japan Cuts
Official Selection: 2024 Filmshop Breakthrough Pitchfest
Semi-Finalist: 2024 Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival

You may also like the following events from Japan Society of New Orleans:

• Next Wednesday, 23rd July, 06:00 pm, Kanpai on the Bayou: A Night of Shochu, Whiskey & Japanese Bites in New Orleans

Also check out other Entertainment events in New Orleans, Festivals in New Orleans.