The Exciting World of TGI Fridays: Japan Flair Dream Game High-Five 2026

TGI Fridays Japan, headquartered in Ota, Tokyo, is ready to dazzle cocktail enthusiasts and flair bartending fans alike with its upcoming event, the Japan Flair Dream Game High-Five 2026. Scheduled for March 8, 2026, at the Yokohama Coast Garage Plus, this prestigious competition will showcase the skills of 15 finalist bartenders from across Japan.

The Japan Flair Dream Game is not just a competition; it's a celebration aimed at invigorating the bar industry and shaping the future of flair bartending. The talented finalists will engage in stunning performances that involve juggling bottles, shakers, and glasses, all for the coveted title of Japan's top flair bartender and a prize of 1,000 USD.

Theme for 2026: 'Beyond Competition, Into Stories'

This year, the event aims to evolve beyond merely competing for points. It'll emphasize the entertainers' commitment and expressive capabilities, presenting bartending as a storytelling medium rather than just gameplay. On the event day, expect not only thrilling performances and judging by world-class bartenders but also special showcases from guest stars and various food and drink booths. The venue will be transformed into a one-day American entertainment extravaganza, where music and light will interact to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Meet the Finalists

Here's the lineup of showstoppers who will grace the stage on March 8:

- Shana Mizo from Newjack Yokohama
- Shouki Matagawa from Bar DOPENES
- Yuuichi Inage from WARP SHINJUKU
- Yu-ki Hisada from Garden
- German Gonzalo Olivera from R1 Supper Club (Roppongi)
- Junpei Nakamura from WARP SHINJUKU
- Haruka Sugita from IZAKAYA からそる
- Yuta Tsuno from WHIZZ KYOTO / TryHardJapan
- Mizuki Sasaoka from COLORSOL
- Yuta Takahashi from COLORSOL
- Hiroyuki Mizuno from Yakiniku Jin to Niku
- Ryuu Sasuke Kinoshita TGI FRIDAYS Bar Manager
- Takuya Hatagoshi TGI FRIDAYS Bar Manager
- Daibu Sugimoto TGI FRIDAYS Ikebukuro Store
- Finalist from TGI FRIDAYS GUAM (to be announced)

Event Details

- Date: March 8, 2026
- Time: Open at 13:00 and Close at 16:30
- Venue: Yokohama Coast Garage Plus, 2-14-9 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Venue Info

- Nearest Station: Directly connected to JR Yokohama Station, South East Exit, just a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Yokohama Station
- Entry Fee: 3,300 JPY (including tax) with exclusive event merchandise
- Ticket Purchase: Available at all 13 TGI Fridays locations and online.

Online Ticket Purchase

Prize Breakdown

- Winner: 1,000 USD + Special Surprise Award
- 2nd Place: 300 USD
- 3rd Place: 200 USD

About Flair Bartending

Flair bartending involves bartenders performing juggling and tricks with bottles and shakers to entertain customers while preparing cocktails. It is an art form that emphasizes personal expression. The term