The eighth season of the popular drama Wakako Sake is set to make its debut on December 8, 2023, with Rina Takeda reprising her beloved role as Wako, the 26-year-old office lady who explores various bars and delights in different drinks. The season, which marks the show’s tenth anniversary, promises to bring fans not just the nostalgia but also exquisite culinary experiences, including the much-anticipated strong chicken nanban.
At the press conference held on December 6, 2023, in Tokyo, Takeda expressed her joy about the new season, stating, "I'm happy to deliver my representative work at the beginning of the new year. It has been 10 years, and it feels like it went by so fast." Her enthusiasm resonates with fans who have followed Wako's bar adventures over the last decade.
This season is expected to showcase various gastronomic delights, continuing the show's tradition of pairing interesting dishes with Wako's drinking escapades. Takeda reflected on her personal growth along with her character, noting the weight of portraying someone younger at the age of 33. She playfully admitted, "I’m under pressure since Wako is 26 years old, and I’ve already turned 33!"
Recounting memorable experiences from her travels, Takeda mentioned her adventurous solo trip to Manila, where she had the chance to bond with local women over drinks. Describing the encounter, she shared, "I encountered the same-aged foreign female traveler last year when I traveled alone to Manila. We ended up bar-hopping together, which was quite the experience." This lively night not only enriched Takeda's travels but mirrored the heart of her character’s explorative nature.
Takeda attributes her newfound appreciation for bar culture to Japanese poet and bar connoisseur Yoshida Rui, who once advised her to embrace the experience without any anxiety about social expectations. "Thanks to Yoshida Rui, I learned how to enjoy the bar culture without feeling pressure about it," she stated. This sage advice has evidently transformed how Takeda approaches drinking and socializing, as she continues to bring authenticity to her role.
With the eighth season landing soon, excitement is brewing among fans and cast alike. Takeda's experiences and shared anecdotes prime the show for new adventures filled with laughter and insight, appealing to both long-time viewers and newcomers.
For those ready to join Wako on her latest escapades, the new season of Wakako Sake promises to be both delicious and enlightening, showcasing the vibrant culture of Japan’s bar scene through the lens of friendship and culinary exploration.