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8th Shochu and Awamori Cocktail Competition

The 8th annual Shochu and Awamori Cocktail Competition will take place on February 23, 2026, from 14:00 to 18:00 at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Minato, Tokyo. This prestigious event, organized by the Japan Shochu and Awamori Association, attracts around 1,600 distilleries producing Shochu, Awamori, sake, and mirin.

Theme and Objective

This year's competition theme focuses on showcasing the beauty of Japanese culture, nature, and food through creative cocktails. Bartenders are expected to blend the unique characteristics of Shochu and Awamori with elements such as Japan's seasons, native ingredients, traditions, and sensibilities to craft original cocktails that reflect these inspirations.

Participants and Competition Details

Ten outstanding bartenders, winners from the preliminary rounds held by the Japan Hotel Bar Association's twelve chapters, will compete with their original cocktails. They will be judged not only on taste but also on the visual appeal and overall service. The event will culminate in an award ceremony and a party.

Open to the Public

The competition is open to the public, offering audiences a chance to witness the fierce competition up close (entry fee applies). Attendees can sample various Shochu and Awamori, participate in basic cocktail making experiences, and enjoy lectures from previous winners.

Moreover, all cocktails entered in the competition will be available for purchase at the participants' respective hotels and bars after the event, giving guests a chance to enjoy them again.

Event Highlights

• - Spectacular Competition: Watch ten elite bartenders as they create cocktails that highlight the uniqueness of Shochu and Awamori.
• - Original Cocktail Tastings & Award Ceremony: Enjoy an exclusive tasting of 10 original cocktails and various regional Shochu and Awamori, alongside food pairings from all over the country.
• - Basic Cocktail Workshop: Learn how to create six basic Shochu and Awamori cocktails directly from last year's winner – perfect for beginners.
• - Audience Participation: Cast your vote for the Audience Award and receive a set of miniature bottles as a thank-you for your feedback.

Event Details

• - Event Name: 8th Shochu and Awamori Cocktail Competition
• - Organizer: Japan Shochu and Awamori Association
• - Collaboration: Japan Hotel Bar Association
• - Supported by: National Tax Agency's Sake Research Institute
• - Date and Time: February 23, 2026 (Monday, National Holiday), from 14:00 to 18:00
• - Location: Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, B1, 3-13-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8612
• - Access: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Shinagawa Station, 3 minutes from Takanawadai Station

Ticket Information

Tickets are available through the following link: Ticket PIA.

• - Ticket Price: ¥3,500 per person (including tax), ¥6,000 for a pair (including tax).
• - Each ticket includes four mini cocktail tasting tickets and access to pairing food in a standing buffet format.
• - Attendee capacity: 200 people.

For Public Inquiries

Please contact:
8th Shochu and Awamori Cocktail Competition Office (W Pitch Inc.)

• - Contact Person: Yokoo
• - Phone: 080-5671-5126
• - Email: [email protected] (Reception Hours: 10:00 - 18:00, response on weekends/holidays may be delayed)

About Japan Shochu and Awamori Association

Founded in 1953, the Japan Shochu and Awamori Association is the largest organization representing approximately 1,600 distilled beverage manufacturers in Japan. It aims for stability and healthy growth within the industry, promoting awareness and appreciation for Shochu, Awamori, and sake both domestically and internationally.

• - Official Website: Japan Shochu
• - Instagram: Japan Shochu