Ep 1. The Bartender

The Bartender is the first episode of the season 1 of the thrilling Japanese anime series called Bartender. The anime is based on the manga of the same name, written by Araki Joh and illustrated by Kenji Nagatomo.

The story follows a young bartender named Ryuu Sasakura who has a unique talent of creating the perfect cocktail for anyone who steps into his bar. He listens to their life stories, and with his incredible insights, comes up with a drink that solves their problems and uplifts their spirits.

The first episode titled "The Bartender" introduces us to Ryuu Sasakura, who works at the bar called "Eden Hall." The bar is known for its friendly and warm ambiance, where anyone who steps inside is welcomed with open arms.

The episode begins on a rainy night, where we see a young woman named Miwa Kurushima, who is wandering on the streets with a broken umbrella and drenched clothes. She comes across the Eden Hall and decides to go inside to take shelter from the rain.

Ryuu welcomes Miwa inside and offers her a seat at the bar. With a warm smile, he asks her what kind of drink she would like. Miwa expresses her desire for something refreshing and light, which Ryuu interprets as a sign of her feeling down.

As he starts mixing the ingredients, Ryuu engages Miwa in a conversation, where he learns about the reason behind her sadness. She tells him about her boyfriend, who she loved dearly, but has now broken up with her and moved on quickly.

Ryuu listens carefully to her story and understands that Miwa needs something that would ease her pain and make her feel refreshed. He comes up with a cocktail that he_names "Eve." He explains, "Eve is derived from the fruit of knowledge. The one that leads people astray, but also the one that enlightens them. It symbolizes both elegance and temptation."

Miwa takes a sip of the drink, and as soon as she does, she breaks into a charming smile. The cocktail tastes fantastic, and it seems to have worked its magic on her. Her spirits are lifted, and she feels like she can move on from her heartbreak.

Throughout the episode, we witness Ryuu's art as a bartender, where he prepares different cocktails, each with its unique meanings. No drink is merely alcohol; he adds a touch of medicine to each one that cures the patrons of their emotional pains.

We are introduced to the vast catalog of cocktails and their historical significance. Each drink has a story behind it, and Ryuu narrates the fascinating tale of each one of them, making it an educational experience for the viewers.

"The Bartender" is a perfect first episode that sets the tone and atmosphere of the anime, introducing us to the main character, and the concept of the show. It is a beautifully animated and narrated series, and the first episode delivers a powerful message about how a single drink can help heal the emotional wounds of an individual.