Traditional Japanese drummer Ken Koshio performs at Holbrook’s Historic Navajo County Courthouse while the First+Main Films crew captures the moment for their upcoming documentary.
Traditional Japanese drummer Ken Koshio performs at Holbrook’s Historic Navajo County Courthouse while the First+Main Films crew captures the moment for their upcoming documentary. Photo by Linda Kor
La Posada owner and renowned artist Tina Mion (center) interviewed by the film crew for the upcoming documentary “Route 66: The Main Street of America.” The interview was held amongst Mion’s work upstairs at the famed hotel.
Winslow Mayor Birdie Cano (left) filmed by the First+Main Films crew, Producer Chris Elisara (center) and Director John Paget (left) at La Posada Hotel.
Master sake brewer Atsuo Sakurai (right) is featured in the upcoming documentary Route 66: The Main Street of America. Though the film crew traveled to Holbrook to spotlight his story, Sakurai made it clear—he wanted the focus to include the town he calls home and the people who make it special. He also invited his friend Ken Koshio (left), who energized the crowd at The Empty Pockets with lively rock ’n’ roll covers.
Traditional Japanese drummer Ken Koshio and Native American dancers from Holbrook combined their talents and their cultures in a performance at the Historic Courthouse in Holbrook.

Why does a master sake brewer from Japan create a world-renowned sake in the high desert of northeastern Arizona? That’s what Director John Paget and Producer Chris Elisara with First+Main Films wanted to learn when they came to Holbrook recently. Sakurai, a native of Yokohama, Japan is the only First-Grade sake brewer in the country. He creates a unique sake, with names such as Desert Snow and Navajo Tea that have gained him world renowned praise including recognition as brewing the best sake in the world outside of Japan. Gifted creators such as Sakurai are just who Paget and Elisara are looking for to show that while Route 66 may no longer be America’s main thoroughfare, the towns along the Mother Road continues to have stories to tell.

When asked by Paget if he could be filmed for the project, Sakurai insisted that the focus not be on him, but on the community that he calls home and among his friends. He included his friend Ken Koshio from Phoenix, who is not only a professional traditional Japanese drummer but also a very gifted guitarist and rock n’ roll enthusiast. Koshio performed for patrons at Empty Pockets Saloon where the First+Main Films crew was busy filming.

Sakurai’s story, along with all the unique stories they discover along historic Route 66 will be included in the documentary “Route 66: The Main Street of America.” The film, commissioned as part of the 100th anniversary of Route 66 celebration taking place next year. To learn more about Arizona Sake visit https://www.arizonasake.com/

Paget and Elisara also included Winslow in their trek and spent time at the beautiful La Posada Hotel, interviewing Winslow Mayor Birdie Cano and La Posada owners Tina Mion and Allan Affeldt.

Once the filming is complete, the TV series will air in time for the Route 66 Centennial on PBS in late fall 2026. Screening of the documentary will take place in towns all along Route 66 from September to November 2026, including in Winslow and Holbrok.

For more information on the film visit: www.mainstreetofamerica.com For more information on 2026 screenings of the film along Route 66 visit: www.66roadshow.com.