This Week In Culture: One Night In Toki-O – Delhi's Biggest Japanese Experience, & More

"For relaxing times, make it Suntory time."

This the line that Bill Murray’s character, Bob Harris, delivers with weary charm in 'Lost in Translation'. In the film, Harris is a fading movie star adrift in a city that feels both exhilarating and alien, in town to shoot a commercial for Suntory whiskey. The irony? He’s cashing in on the very kind of work he once turned his nose up at. But in that famous scene, half bemused, half resigned, he swirls a glass of whiskey and does what he came to do: "For relaxing times, make it Suntory time." It was a fictional ad, but the brand? Very real and very iconic.

What most people don’t know is that Sofia Coppola’s inspiration for the scene actually came from a 1970s Suntory commercial featuring her father, Francis Ford Coppola, and legendary Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Fast forward to 2023, and Sofia directed the brand’s 100th anniversary tribute film, stitching together a century’s worth of cinematic legacy, going from Keanu Reeves in sleek modern bars to glimpses of that unforgettable Tokyo hotel lounge where Bob once sat alone with his thoughts (and his drink).

With an impressionable legacy that spans both cultural and cinematic landscapes, Suntory has long been a symbol of refined escape. And now, that very spirit is coming to Delhi; for one night only. Keep reading the bulletin for the full scoop.

One Night in Toki-O

One Night in Toki-O brings a slice of contemporary Tokyo to New Delhi through an immersive, nine-hour experience on April 12. Hosted at a 6,000 sq. ft. warehouse in The Dhan Mill compound, the event blends traditional Japanese culture with modern expression. Expect a curated mix of live music, vinyl listening bars, art installations, food, design pop-ups, and craft cocktails. Designed to engage all the senses, the event offers a chance to explore Japan’s evolving creative landscape without leaving the city.

Vinyl Takeovers & Live Performances

Embodying Japan's Kissaten culture, Pagal Records, Genre Journal, Digging in India, and Sound Redefined are spinning rare cuts and cult classics for hi-fi heads at One Night in Toki-O. And if you’re a fan of live music, acts like Greybox, Pavni, KSC, and Sanil (aka FILM) are bringing serious bass and genre-bending sets to the event. Expect afro house, amapiano, jungle, techno, and much more.

Find out more about it here.

Japanese Art Studio

Ever wanted to try your hand at traditional Japanese screen printing? Art Curry is bringing a hands-on workshop that lets you dive straight into the process. It's part meditative, part messy, and 100% fun. Whether you're a creative soul or just curious, this is your chance to take home something you’ve made yourself — inked with intention and soaked in culture. It’s one of three workshops happening at One Night in Toki-O.

Get your tickets here.

Japanese Food Pop-Ups

Forget your usual Saturday takeout and try some Sando sliders from Inja by Chef Adwait Anantwar and Long Finish's Izakaya pop-up. It’s a full-on Japanese culinary takeover, and it’s not just the food; cocktails are getting a remix too at One Night in Toki-O this weekend.

Get a taste of Japan here.

Lost Songs Of Sundari

Sudarshan Sawant’s debut documentary 'Lost Songs of Sundari' is a stoic and powerful look at what happens when a city forgets its roots. Set in Mumbai, the film follows the Koli community, the original fisherfolk, as their deep bond with the sea slowly unravels in the face of rapid urban growth. Told through mythology, memory, and lived experience, it weaves together a tale of cultural loss.

Watch the trailer here.

Akaaro's Flagship Store At Ballard Estate

Akaaro’s first-ever flagship store has landed on Ballard Estate, Mumbai and it’s everything the label has stood for — quietly radical, deeply rooted in textiles, and refreshingly fuss-free. Known for turning unconventional materials like steel and bamboo into fabric and for crafting pleated silk-cotton pieces that stretch like magic, Akaaro has long been a cult favourite among those who value process over noise. The new 2,000 sqft space reflects that ethos with its organic and warm minimalist interiors.

Check it out here.

To Make A Home With You By Mihir Thakkar

'to Make a Home with You' at Art and Charlie is a tender, honest exploration of what it means to belong. Curated by Mihir Thakkar, the show brings together works by five artists — Aksh Diwan Garg, Deepak Dhiman, Lakshya Bhargava, Namrata Arjun, and Zoya Lobo, each of whom reflects on the complex journey of building a home, especially after coming out. It reflects on the strength of chosen families, the love that holds us up, and the spaces we carve out for ourselves when the world doesn’t always offer them freely. The exhibition is on view till May 31.

Find out more here.

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