Ten top bartenders from across the country are gathering on July 9 for the Japan final of Diageo World Class 2026, which is regarded as the world's most prestigious bartending competition. While the tournament to decide Japan’s top bartender goes off, a cocktail festival is happening at Roppongi Hills Arena, right beside where the competitive action is taking place. This free-to-enter drink event will feature skilled bartenders from around the world mixing up inventive cocktails.
The list of attendees serving concoctions includes familiar faces like Felice Capasso, who was crowned Global Bartender of the Year in 2025, and Marina Kishida of Gold Bar at Edition, the Japan champion in 2025. Former Japan champions such as 2024 winner Masato Ishioka of Bulgari Ginza Bar, as well as 2023 champion Fumiaki Nozato of Ista Coffee Elements, are also expected to make appearances, serving up top-tier mixed drinks.
Cocktails can be purchased with tickets sold on site (¥3,000 for 6, ¥5,000 for 12), and paired with food served from a diverse line-up of food trucks selling everything from Cuban sandwiches to fish and chips.