#Japan #Osaka #Diageo World Class #岸田茉利奈 #銀シャリ

The First Osaka Hosting of DIAGEO WORLD CLASS 2025

On July 1, 2025, a historic event took place at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka as the city hosted the first-ever ‘DIAGEO WORLD CLASS 2025 Japan Final,’ a prestigious bartending competition where the youngest champion in the event's history was crowned. This global event, organized by Diageo Japan, a subsidiary of the renowned British beverage company Diageo, drew talented bartenders from over 46 countries and regions, demonstrating exceptional skills in cocktail crafting.

This year’s competition captivated audiences with guest appearances by rising stars from the popular comedy duo Gin Shari, Naoko Hashimoto and former chef Shinji Mizuta. Their presence added a vibrant touch to the already dynamic atmosphere, as they offered encouragement to the finalists and comedic relief throughout the evening.

The competition was intense, requiring participants to present not only the taste of their cocktails but also their concepts, storytelling prowess, hosting abilities, and presentation skills. Naoko Hashimoto shared his admiration after the event, claiming he was in awe of how contestants could present unique cocktails based on the same theme. Mizuta emphasized the excitement he felt witnessing the performers deliver flawless presentations despite the pressure.

The highly anticipated competition witnessed ten finalists showcasing their talents. After a riveting series of performances, the crown of champion was awarded to the extraordinary Marina Kishida. As she was announced as the winner, the audience erupted in applause, celebrating her remarkable achievement. When asked by Hashimoto if she felt confident about winning, Kishida responded enthusiastically, revealing she arrived with high hopes. She expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her parents, who supported her every step of the way and inspired her to take on new challenges.

Through the evening's challenges, Marina excelled in several unique stages that tested novel aspects of bartending, such as:
1. Tea Ten Challenge: Contestants created cocktails featuring tea, combining cultural elements from Japanese tea ceremonies to British afternoon tea.
2. Spin the Wheel Challenge: Bartenders faced the challenge of improvisation by utilizing randomly selected ingredients and creating remarkable drinks with minimal resources.
3. Show Your Passion Challenge: This segment allowed finalists to express their emotions connected to cocktails, especially using the distinguished Don Julio 1942 tequila.
4. What’s Your Story Challenge: Participants mesmerized guests through storytelling, serving exquisite cocktails that encouraged memorable experiences.

The champions for the individual challenges were also celebrated, highlighting the depth of talent competing in this prestigious event:

• - TEA TEN CHALLENGE: Kazuki Nagao (Bar LIBRE)
• - SPIN THE WHEEL CHALLENGE: Hiroyuki Ito (BAR Eight Rabbit)
• - SHOW YOUR PASSION CHALLENGE: Marina Kishida (Gold Bar at EDITION)
• - WHAT’S YOUR STORY CHALLENGE: Yujiro Fukuzawa (Hollow bar)

The event took place in the Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka and was marked by heartfelt interactions, including a highlight where Hashimoto humorously advised finalists to maintain smiles regardless of the outcomes, lightening the atmosphere.

Marina Kishida's success at the DIAGEO JAPAN WORLD CLASS not only earned her the title but also opened doors to global opportunities. Her journey will inspire aspiring bartenders to aim for their dreams, reflecting the significance of this competition in the broader context of promoting bartending culture.

In essence, the ‘DIAGEO WORLD CLASS’ event was more than a competition; it was a celebration of creativity, skill, and the spirit of camaraderie in the bartending community. As advocated by Diageo’s motto, it truly raised the bar for the global bartending standard.

For more details, visit official DIAGEO WORLD CLASS.