Japanese mixology is set to arrive in Bengaluru through a one-night cocktail takeover at 403 Forbidden Bar on 21 May 2026. Titled SYSTEM_OVERRIDE: The Art of Japanese Mixology, the event will take place from 6 PM onwards in collaboration with Yakoboku from Kumamoto, Japan, and Conosh. Yakoboku, currently ranked No. 25 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, will bring its refined cocktail philosophy to the city for an immersive showcase of Japanese bar culture.
The evening has been designed as more than a traditional guest shift, focusing instead on a curated sensory experience rooted in precision, craftsmanship, and hospitality. Internationally acclaimed bartenders Shinya Koba and Ryunosuke Fujita will join Aman Dua to present an exclusive cocktail programme inspired by Japanese ingredients, minimalist techniques, and contemporary mixology.
Yakoboku, housed within a restored 150-year-old former ryokan in Kumamoto, has earned recognition for its understated yet expressive approach to cocktails. Led by founder Shinya Koba, the bar is known for celebrating seasonal Japanese ingredients, local flavours, and quiet elegance through carefully crafted drinking experiences.
Speaking about the collaboration, Shinya Koba said, “Japanese bartending is deeply rooted in care, precision, and creating meaningful moments for guests.” He added that bringing Yakoboku to Bengaluru offers an opportunity to share Japanese culture through cocktails and hospitality.
Neha Malik and Vaibhav Bahl, Co-founders of Conosh, stated that the takeover aims to introduce Indian audiences to a highly intentional style of Japanese mixology while creating immersive and globally relevant hospitality experiences. Aman Dua, Co-founder of 403 Forbidden Bar, added that the collaboration reflects the bar’s vision of creating elevated and culturally expressive experiences for guests.
With limited seating and a globally celebrated bar programme at its centre, SYSTEM_OVERRIDE is expected to offer Bengaluru’s hospitality and cocktail community an intimate evening of refined drinks, storytelling, and cultural exchange.