403 Forbidden Bar, Bengaluru’s immersive cocktail destination known for concept-led hospitality experiences, is set to host SYSTEM_OVERRIDE: The Art of Japanese Mixology, an exclusive one-night-only bar takeover in collaboration with Yakoboku, the celebrated cocktail bar from Kumamoto, Japan, and Conosh an Indian platform focused on immersive dining and global culinary experiences.

Scheduled for May 21, 2026, the event will bring together internationally acclaimed Japanese bartenders Shinya Koba and Ryunosuke Fujita alongside Aman Dua for a curated evening celebrating the precision and artistry of Japanese cocktail culture.

Rooted in balance, restraint, and craftsmanship, Japanese mixology is globally recognised for its disciplined techniques and deep respect for ingredients and hospitality. SYSTEM_OVERRIDE aims to bring these philosophies to Bengaluru through an immersive sensory experience that extends beyond a traditional guest shift format.

At the heart of the collaboration is Yakoboku, a minimalist cocktail bar housed within a restored 150-year-old ryokan in Kumamoto, Japan. Led by Shinya Koba, the bar has gained international recognition for its refined cocktail programme centred around seasonal Japanese ingredients, understated elegance, and thoughtful storytelling. The bar recently debuted at No. 25 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list.

The evening will feature an exclusive cocktail menu inspired by Japanese ingredients and contemporary mixology techniques, designed to reflect Yakoboku’s globally recognised philosophy of expressive yet minimal drinking experiences.

The collaboration also reflects 403 Forbidden Bar’s ongoing vision of introducing globally celebrated hospitality concepts and bar programmes to Bengaluru through experiential showcases. Set within the bar’s cinematic and immersive interiors, the takeover promises an intimate exploration of storytelling, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.

Speaking about the collaboration, Shinya Koba said, “Japanese bartending is deeply rooted in care, precision, and creating meaningful moments for guests. Bringing Yakoboku to Bengaluru is an opportunity to share a part of our culture through cocktails, hospitality, and human connection.”

Neha Malik and Vaibhav Bahl added, “Through Conosh, our vision has always been to create experiences that feel immersive, memorable, and globally relevant. With this takeover, we are introducing audiences to a style of Japanese mixology that is deeply intentional and rooted in storytelling.”

Aman Dua further shared, “With SYSTEM_OVERRIDE, we wanted to create an experience that feels immersive, elevated, and culturally expressive. Yakoboku’s philosophy aligns beautifully with our approach towards hospitality and storytelling.”

With limited seating and a globally celebrated cocktail programme at its core, SYSTEM_OVERRIDE promises to offer Bengaluru’s hospitality and cocktail enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience contemporary Japanese mixology in an intimate and highly curated setting.

Event Details

• Event: SYSTEM_OVERRIDE: The Art of Japanese Mixology
• Venue: 403 Forbidden Bar
• Date: May 21, 2026
• Time: 8:00 PM onwards
• Reservations: +91 90713 17446