#Japan #Shinjuku #Royal Mile #Kazuhiro Shizutani #Highball Culture

Kazuhiro Shizutani Appointed as Advisor to the Highball Culture Promotion Society

Kazuhiro Shizutani, the president of Royal Mile Co., has received significant recognition in the whiskey industry for his appointment as an advisor to the Highball Culture Promotion Society. This announcement highlights his commitment to expanding the appreciation of whiskey culture in Japan and beyond.

The Context of His Appointment

In recent years, the whiskey market has garnered renewed attention both domestically and internationally. However, traditional enjoyment of whiskey still lingers within a niche group of enthusiasts, leaving the broader expansion of whiskey as a daily pleasure lagging. Moreover, younger audiences often perceive whiskey as an inaccessible and complicated luxury item.

Conversely, highballs have gained popularity for their lightness and versatility, serving as an accessible entry point to the world of whiskey. This trend has paved the way for initiatives that merge the refined nature of whiskey culture with the everyday enjoyment represented by highballs. There’s a growing demand for efforts that communicate the depth of whiskey to a wider audience.

Kazuhiro Shizutani believes that "the distinctly Japanese highball culture has evolved to become synonymous with toasting, acting as a gateway to the appreciation of whiskey culture." His endeavors include bar management, the development of the Saki Glass series, franchise expansions for whiskey salons, and crafting original whiskey-based cocktails, which he famously terms “whisketails.” Each of these projects plays a key role in broadening whiskey culture’s appeal.

His work aligns closely with the Highball Culture Promotion Society's mission, which focuses on transforming the experience of an ordinary drink into endless possibilities. Through his new role, Shizutani aims to blend his deep insights into whiskey with the approachable nature of highballs, thus fostering a more inclusive cultural environment.

About Kazuhiro Shizutani

Kazuhiro Shizutani is a prolific figure who, in 2019, became the youngest-ever recipient of the Master of Whiskey qualification approved by the Whiskey Culture Research Institute. He has developed the original Saki Glass series and serves as an official taster for the magazine “Whisky Galore.” Moreover, he is involved in various media, including appearances on BS Fuji’s “Whiskypedia.”

Additionally, he contributes his expertise as a director and master blender at the Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery in Hokkaido, where he utilizes local ingredients for crafting whiskey and gin.

On social media, known as "Bartender Shizutani En," he has amassed over 1.2 million followers, perpetuating the engagement with whiskey culture.

Current Roles and Public Positions

• - Bars Owned: BAR LIVET, BAR Shinjuku Whiskey Salon, BAR TOKYO BOURBON CLUB, BAR LAST WORD (opening in June 2026)
• - Industry Associations: Vice Director of Technical Guidance, Tokyo Branch of the N.B.A. / Councilor, Japanese Whiskey Culture Revival Association
• - Official Roles: Official Taster for Whisky Galore / Judge and Chairman for the Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition (TWSC)
• - Business Endeavors: Producer of the Saki Glass series / Director at Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery / Franchise headquarters for whiskey salons

About the Highball Culture Promotion Society

The Highball Culture Promotion Society champions a mission that states, "Transforming an ordinary glass into infinite possibilities." They aim to bring enjoyment to individuals and society through the light-heartedness and diversity of highballs. Their values stress enjoying life as oneself, fostering social connections through toasts, and harmonizing richness in life and society.

Comments from Kazuhiro Shizutani

“Holding a highball is one of the most accessible ways to engage with the culture of whiskey. It’s a light cocktail that everyone can easily enjoy. At the same time, whiskey itself is a complex spirit formed through lengthy processes of distillation, aging, and blending, embodying profound depth. My journey in distillation, product development, and service has been about how to share this value with society and future generations.”

He envisions a narrative where highballs spark interest among a larger audience, encouraging them to explore whiskey's diverse offerings. He considers it his role in this industry to cultivate such a trajectory.

Highball Culture Promotion Society Comments

Kei Naminoue, the representative of the Highball Culture Promotion Society, emphasizes the importance of shared moments with highballs in today’s evolving era driven by AI. He believes that Shizutani represents a genuine ambassador of the whiskey world, and together, they can foster a positive change in society through the concept of individuality and toasts.

Upcoming Celebratory Party

To commemorate Shizutani's appointment, a special party will be hosted:
Date: June 3, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00
Venue: BAR TOKYO BOURBON CLUB, Tokyo
Entrance Fee: 5,500 JPY (including tax)
Content: Unlimited tasting of five major whiskeys and an exclusive surprise whiskey for the day
Capacity: Limited to 30 people, reservation required.
Reservation Link: Reserve here

This event invites guests to experience the vision that Kazuhiro Shizutani and the Highball Culture Promotion Society aim to achieve. Join them for an evening where whiskey and highballs create endless opportunities for connection.