Japan Wins Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS

Michito Kaneko from Japan has been crowned as Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2015.

After a grueling week of competition, Michito took out the title in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday (September 5), coming out on top from the original 54 contenders.

“When I heard my name, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing – I was in total shock,” Michito said after the announcement. “I’m very happy to have won. This is definitely a turning point in my life.”

Michito was inspired to quit his job as a construction worker to become a bartender 13 years ago after tasting cocktails in the most famous bar in his home region of Nara, Japan. Three years ago he opened his own bar in Nara – The Lamp Bar – where he is the manager and sole bartender today.

In the final “Cape Town Shakedown” challenge held at the city’s V&A Waterfront, the final six bartenders had to create a pop-up bar to reflect their personality and bartending style

Michito looked to his own name for inspiration - Michito meaning “Man on the Road” - incorporated the iconic Striding Man of Johnnie Walker into his bar’s theme - “The Travelling Bar Man”. The installation was covered in maps and treasure chests, which took guests on a journey from Scotland to France to Japan.

As WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year, Michito will be become an overnight celebrity and have the opportunity to travel the world as a Global Brand Ambassador for WORLD CLASS. In addition, as part of a recently announced partnership between luxury resort group One&Only and Diageo Reserve, Michito also wins a trip to the One&Only Palmilla resort in Los Cabos, Mexico.

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