The wine competition in The Drops of God reaches a new level of intensity as Episode 18 shifts the search for the legendary apostles to the ancient capital of Kyoto. The episode, which aired on August 7, 2026, brings together history, poetry, and the complex emotions of the characters as they pursue the Sixth Apostle.
The Search Moves to Asuka and Kyoto
Episode 18 sees Issei Tomine making a critical decision in his pursuit of the Sixth Apostle. Rather than following a statue-related clue, Issei chooses to chase a poem instead. This choice leads him to Asuka, the ancient capital of Japan, accompanied by Miyabi Shinohara.
The episode introduces a new character named Leonardo, a Piemontese who arrives in Asuka searching for his ex-lover. His arrival adds another layer to the unfolding story, bringing with him some wine and a poem that becomes central to the episode’s developments.
Issei’s Mother Arrives
A significant moment in Episode 18 is the arrival of Issei’s mother. She is a renowned wine taster herself and does not hesitate to remind Issei of her credentials. She claims not only to know what the Sixth Apostle is but also to have drunk it with Yutaka Kanzaki.
Issei’s mother provides a sharp assessment of her son, describing him as a blend of arrogance and inferiority. This encounter is particularly meaningful given what was revealed during the Matterhorn arc. Issei wants nothing to do with her, though Sarah has other ideas. The situation becomes ethically complicated when Issei’s mother hints at the apostle’s identity. Issei makes it clear that if she tells him, he will be disqualified from the competition.
The Sixth Apostle Revealed
The episode finally provides clarity on the Sixth Apostle. Yutaka’s description of this wine represents a milestone in the competition. The search moves away from France and heads to Italy—specifically Piedmont, the home of the Nebbiolo grape in its legendary forms.
Yutaka’s writings about the Sixth Apostle deal with facing eternity and the loneliness that implies. He references a 7th-century tanka poem from the Man’yoshu, composed by Kakinomoto no Hitomaro in Asuka:
Higashi no / no ni kagirohi no / tatsu miete / kaerimizureba / tsuki katamakinu
“On the eastern field, the dawn’s shimmering heat-glow is seen rising; when I turn and look back, the crescent moon has tilted low in the west.”
Upon hearing this description, Honma-san becomes convinced that the apostle is a Barolo—specifically the legendary Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino from 1990. Shizuku agrees this is close, noting that this majestic wine does give him a sense of space and eternity.
Related: The Drops of God Episode 18: Release Date, Time, Streaming Details and Episode 17 Recap
The Miroku Bosatsu Connection
A key element of Episode 18 involves the Miroku Bosatsu Hanka Shiyuizo statue at Koryu-ji temple in Kyoto. The statue holds deep meaning in the episode, with Issei planting himself at Koryu-ji to stare at it for an extended period. Koryu-ji is the oldest temple in Kyoto, and the Miroku Bosatsu statue is what makes it exceptional.
The connection between the statue and the Sixth Apostle becomes clearer as the episode progresses. The competition now requires the contestants to understand not just wine but also the deeper philosophical and artistic references that Yutaka embedded in his will.
Episode 19 Release and Streaming Information
The Drops of God Episode 19 is scheduled to release on August 14, 2026. The episode will be available through multiple streaming platforms.
Where to Watch Episode 19
Crunchyroll remains the primary streaming service for The Drops of God. Viewers can watch the series through:
- Crunchyroll (direct subscription)
- Crunchyroll Amazon Channel (available through Prime Video)
- Apple TV Store (digital purchase or download)
The series is available in multiple regions, including the United States and 27 other countries. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes.
Episode Schedule
The Drops of God airs new episodes weekly. The schedule follows:
- Episode 18: August 7, 2026
- Episode 19: August 14, 2026
- Episode 20: August 21, 2026 (expected)
How to Watch
To watch Episode 19:
- Subscribe to Crunchyroll – The platform offers a subscription service with access to the full series
- Access through Prime Video – Crunchyroll is available as an Amazon Channel for Prime Video subscribers
- Purchase episodes – Individual episodes or seasons can be bought through the Apple TV Store
The series is available with subtitles in multiple languages.
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What Makes Episode 18 Stand Out
Episode 18 distinguishes itself through its deep engagement with Japanese culture and history. The inclusion of the Man’yoshu poem, the focus on Koryu-ji temple, and the philosophical weight of the Miroku Bosatsu statue elevate the episode beyond a simple competition narrative.
The episode also deepens the character work for Issei. His relationship with his mother, his complex feelings about the competition, and his method of pursuing the apostle all receive attention. The ethical boundaries of the competition are tested when Issei’s mother offers to reveal the answer, creating tension about what constitutes fair play.
The shift to Italian wines, specifically the Barolo region, signals that the competition continues to expand its scope. Each apostle represents not just a wine but a complete sensory and emotional experience that Yutaka carefully crafted.
Also Read: Please Excuse My Younger Brothers Episode 6 Recap and Episode 7 Global Release Details
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