The Spirit of Japan

『The Spirit of Japan』

Q&A with Director Joseph Overbey, Producer Stephen Lyman and Distiller Tekkan Wakamatsu and followed by a reception featuring shochu from Yamatozakura Distillery. The Spirit of Japan is the story of the Wakamatsu family, who have been distilling sweet potato shochu by hand at their Yamatozakura Distillery in Kagoshima Prefecture since the 1850s. This documentary follows fifth-generation master brewer Tekkan Wakamatsu as he takes 175-year-old traditions passed down by his father Kazunari Wakamatsu and strives to adapt them to a rapidly changing market driven by commodification and mass consumerism. Director Joseph Overbey lived with the Wakamatsu family as he shot The Spirit of Japan, offering a rarified look inside the shochu-making production, an intimate portrait of family succession and an unflinching glimpse into the harsh realities of preserving tradition in the modern world.

Dir. Joseph Overbey, 2024, 48 min., DCP, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Tekkan Wakamatsu, Kazunari Wakamatsu, Ranko Wakamatsu.

Part of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film 2025
July 10—20, 2025

JAPAN CUTS is the largest showcase of contemporary Japanese cinema in North America and an annual highlight of New York’s cinema scene.

Image: © 2024 Joseph Overbey

The Spirit of Japan is supported by Japan Society’s Food events sponsors, BALMUDA and Kikkoman Corporation.

JAPAN CUTS 2025 is powered by GU.

JAPAN CUTS is sponsored by George P. Hirose and the Globus Family. Reception beverages are generously donated by Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Dassai Blue and ITO EN. Reception speakers are donated by BALMUDA. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of the Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of the Japan Society Film Program.

Next Generation Obayashi Prize is presented by VIPO.

Additional support is provided by Atto Sushi, Cafe Hatou, Japan Village, Katagiri NY, Kato Sake Works, Kinokuniya Bookstore, Midtown Comics, Moleskine, Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Sendon and BuyJapon, Sunrise Mart, and Tea and Milk.