#Japan #Tokyo #Suntory #ARTISTIC JAPAN #MASTER'S DREAM

Experience the Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

On July 6, 2025, Suntory Co., Ltd. hosted a unique dining event, titled “ARTISTIC JAPAN by MASTER’S DREAM,” at the esteemed Tokyo National Museum's Horyu-ji Treasure Hall. This exclusive event attracted twenty lucky guests and marked the beginning of a series dedicated to experiencing Japan's craftsmanship through its beer culture, especially focusing on the “JAPAN MONOZUKURI BEER” line, featuring “The Premium Malt's Master's Dream.”

A Celebration of Japanese Craftsmanship

Suntory's event aims to showcase the essence of tradition and innovation that defines the “JAPAN MONOZUKURI BEER.” The Horyu-ji Treasure Hall, linked to the ancient Horyu-ji Temple, serves as a historic backdrop for this event, which is the first of its kind to rent this cultural landmark for a beer brand. The culinary direction for the evening was expertly overseen by chef Kenji Nagashima, who honed his skills at the world-renowned restaurant El Bulli in Spain before returning to Japan to create the experiential dining space known as “81.”

A Gourmet Journey

Attendees indulged in a special dinner that creatively embraced the theme of “tradition and innovation,” drawing inspiration from the treasures held in the museum. The multi-course menu included tantalizing dishes such as:

• - Appetizers: Summery corn paired with edamame, often referred to as traditional beer companions.
• - Main Course: Grilled sweetfish with prosciutto served alongside a basil and shiso sauce, alongside a truffle-topped ragù of wagyu beef paired with fusilli.
• - Dessert: A mousse made from cream cheese, drizzled with syrup from master’s dream beer, and garnished with roasted almonds.

The atmosphere was enhanced with a carefully curated table setting using silverware, indirect lighting, and original music composed for the event. Each dish was presented alongside a story from Chef Nagashima, allowing guests to appreciate the layered meanings behind each creation. He passionately expressed, "We aim to transcend boundaries, creating unique experiences that our guests can share with us here."

An Enchanting Environment

The event included a private viewing of the museum exhibits by night, providing attendees a truly extraordinary experience. Participants enjoyed a captivating dining affair, immersed in a setting that echoed the values of Master’s Dream—elegantly representing craftsmanship in every detail of the dining environment.

The Culinary Vision of Chef Kenji Nagashima

Kenji Nagashima is the founding creative director of the experiential restaurant “81,” which sits at the intersection of food, music, visuals, and physicality to create a multifaceted sensory dining experience. His philosophy focuses on fusing Japan's inherent beauty with diverse culinary traditions acquired from his global travels, including rigorous training at El Bulli.

More About “ARTISTIC JAPAN”

The “ARTISTIC JAPAN” series is a celebration of a collaborative and innovative spirit where the craftsmanship of beer brewing meets the aesthetics of traditional Japanese cooking. Coming from a lineage of beer-making that reflects centuries of tradition, Suntory's “The Premium Malt’s Master's Dream” embodies this commitment to excellence through meticulous attention to ingredients and brewing processes.

As part of future events in this series, the next phases include dream-like culinary experiences at historical locales, further pushing the boundaries of gastronomic artistry. Guests engaging in the ongoing campaign can anticipate more exclusive opportunities to participate in these unmatched culinary festivities.

For more information about upcoming events and detailed offerings, visit the official website of The Premium Malt's Master's Dream.