Press Release
Bartender Yuya Takahashi won both the "First Japan Champion" and the "Spirit of Saiten Award" at the "iichiko Irodori Cocktail Competition." His "New Old Fashioned" from Japan was highly praised.
Yuya Takahashi, bartender at THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT YOKOHAMA (Address: 1-1-3 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture / General Manager: Yasutoshi Abe), which celebrated its 5th anniversary in September 2025, was crowned the inaugural Japan Champion at the Japan Final of the iichiko Irodori Cocktail Competition, held by Sanwa Shurui Co., Ltd. on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that he has been awarded the Spirit of Saiten Award, a special prize chosen by bar and cocktail enthusiasts with a different perspective than professional judges, making him a double honor.
This cocktail competition was planned as a forum for bartenders from all over Japan to compete with their creativity and skills, with the aim of promoting the appeal of Japanese food culture and ingredients both domestically and internationally through original cocktails using iichiko Saiten, a genuine barley shochu that makes the most of the characteristics of koji distilled spirits.
At the Japan Final, seven contestants were selected from 275 applicants after two rigorous rounds of judging. They presented their original cocktails in six-minute presentations and were judged on a variety of criteria, including taste, originality, and experiential value.
The cocktail "Oedo Fashioned" created by Takahashi is inspired by "Yanagikage," a cocktail said to be the oldest in Japan that was drunk during the Edo period, and is a sublimated Old Fashioned drink that combines brown rice, mirin, and soy sauce, which have been staples on Japanese dinner tables, with "iichiko Saiten." This "new Old Fashioned," reconstructed using traditional Japanese ingredients, was highly praised for not only clearly highlighting the umami and flavor derived from the koji of "iichiko Saiten," but also for its name, which accurately expresses the flavor and story, its high level of understanding of the theme, and its presentation skills.
[URL] https://thekahala.jp/yokohama/info/5311/
■The thoughts behind the winning cocktail "Oedo Fashioned"
With the desire to create a drink that will be loved the world over, we aimed to create a "classic cocktail from Japan" that anyone can relate to, using ingredients that are symbolic of the Japanese dining table. We use our own homemade mirin, which is infused with the fragrant aroma of roasted brown rice, to bring out the richness and aroma of "iichiko Saiten." We also use our own homemade burnt soy sauce liquid to express a deep umami flavor. We garnish it with burnt soy sauce brown rice to add texture. We hope to be able to convey the new appeal of Japanese spirits through "Oedo Fashioned."
■ Profile of Yuya Takahashi
Born in Iwate Prefecture in 1992, Hennessy spent his early twenties honing his restaurant service skills at over a dozen hotels across Japan, primarily resort hotels. In 2020, he joined Resorttrust Co., Ltd. and began his career as a bartender when he was assigned to the bar at XIV Arima Rikyu, a members-only resort hotel. He won the overall championship at #HennessyMyWay 2024 (World Championship). He has been in his current position since July 2025. He is dedicated to creating original cocktails and experience value for guests both in Japan and abroad.
<Scheduled dates for Yuya Takahashi to be in the store>
November 12th (Wednesday), 13th (Thursday), 15th (Saturday), 16th (Sunday), 17th (Monday), 19th (Wednesday), 21st (Friday), 22nd (Saturday), 23rd (Sunday, holiday), 24th (Monday, holiday), 26th (Wednesday), 27th (Thursday), 28th (Friday)
■ About THE KAHALA Lounge
A crystal chandelier inspired by orchid flowers shines from the softly curved ceiling, enveloping you in a warm, classic modern atmosphere. Enjoy the view of Minato Mirai outside the window in this woody space inspired by Hawaiian koa wood, providing an unparalleled luxurious experience.
[Business hours] 10:00-23:00 (last order 22:30)
[URL] https://thekahala.jp/yokohama/dining/?lounge
[Inquiries] 045-522-0077 (restaurant reservations 10:00-17:00)
*The photos are for illustrative purposes only.
*The contents and serving times may change depending on the supply situation.
*Alcoholic beverages cannot be served to anyone under the age of 20 or to customers who are driving.
[Contact for media inquiries regarding this matter]
THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT YOKOHAMA
Public Relations Officer: Shino Asahioka
E-mail: R14037220@rt-group.jp / TEL: 045-522-0023
