#Japan #Tokyo #Keio Plaza Hotel #Brilliance Bar #Celebration Year

Experience a Celebration Like No Other at Keio Plaza Hotel

As the Keio Plaza Hotel reaches a remarkable milestone of 55 years, it is set to host a series of extraordinary events at its main bar, Brilliance. The hotel, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is celebrating this anniversary with a special initiative called Celebration Year 2026, running until March 2027. Guests can look forward to exclusive cocktail events that pay homage to this significant occasion, showcasing the skills of renowned bartenders.

The first event titled Celebration Night will kick off on February 4 and continue with special dates through March. Two of Tokyo's finest bartenders will take center stage: Kazuyoshi Watanabe, the first recipient of the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Honor, and Katsuya Takano, a distinguished Tokyo Meister. Both bartenders are known more for their mentorship roles today rather than working behind the bar, making this event a unique opportunity for cocktail lovers.

During the Celebration Night, the bartenders will craft signature cocktails right in front of the guests. Watanabe will present his celebrated cocktail, Celebration, which won the HBA Creative Cocktail Competition in 1986 during the hotel’s 15th anniversary. This cocktail, a mix of champagne and various ingredients shaken carefully to integrate the flavors, has been beloved for over 40 years and is regarded as a classic choice for special occasions.

Takano, on the other hand, will showcase his award-winning creation Havana Lanja, a cocktail that clinched the top prize at the Havana Club Cocktail Contest in 2014. This innovative drink features the rich taste of Havana Club 7-Year rum combined with fresh orange, allowing guests to enjoy the fruit both in liquid and solid form.

Event Details

• - Celebration Night
• - Location: 2nd Floor, Main Bar Brilliance
• - Dates: Kazuyoshi Watanabe - February 4, March 4, March 25; Katsuya Takano - February 18, March 18 (dates may change)
• - Time: 17:00 - 21:00
• - Sample Cocktails:

- Celebration by Kazuyoshi Watanabe: 2,200 yen (including service fee and tax)
- Havana Lanja by Katsuya Takano: 2,100 yen (including service fee and tax)
- Other original cocktails like Marionette and Shikizai available at 1,900 yen each.

Contact: For reservations, call TEL: 03-5322-8151 (10:00 - 20:00).

Bartender Profiles

Kazuyoshi Watanabe

• - 1984: Grand Prix at Suntory The Cocktail Competition
• - 1986: Winner of the 15th HBA Creative Cocktail Competition
• - 2005: Awarded the Tokyo Meister Governor's Prize
• - 2011: Recognized as an excellent skill master
• - 2012: Honored with the Yellow Ribbon Medal of Honor

Katsuya Takano

• - 1997: Winner at the Marie Brizard Bar & Liqueur Forum Competition
• - 2000: Best Award at the Beefeater International Cocktail Competition
• - 2007: Third place in the Asia Pacific Bartender of the Year Competition
• - 2014: Represented Japan at the Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix
• - 2019: Received the Tokyo Meister Governor's Prize

About Keio Plaza Hotel

Founded on June 5, 1971, the Keio Plaza Hotel is an international tourist hotel located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, offering unparalleled hospitality services. For more information, visit Keio Plaza Hotel's website.