The Talent Behind The Bar

Kentaro Wada is the head bartender of The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. He joined The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo in 2013, after spending three years in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he honed his craft at The Backstage. His interest in mixology started early. "I remember how I used to enjoy mixing juices when I was just six years of age. To me, becoming a bartender was like a dream come true," he says. 

Wada has garnered recognition through various competitions, earning him accolades including the "Bobby's Schiedam Dry Gin Competition" in 2017 and the championship title in the "Chivas Masters 2018 Cocktail Competition" held in Japan. He also represented Japan in "The Chivas Masters 2018 Cocktail World Competition" held in London and Keith. His expertise, combined with Japan's fine ingredients, showcases local craftsmanship and encapsulates the enchantment of the city and The Bar for guests to experience.

Mizuki Hoshino, a native of Niigata, Japan, is a graduate of College of Foreign Language, Tourism and Airline Studies. In 2017, he began his career at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. Hoshino has since been working under the mentorship of head bartender Kentaro Wada and is dedicated to creating personalized and memorable experiences for each guest.

Driven by a desire to improve continuously, Hoshino has taken part in cocktail competitions, most notably becoming a finalist in the 2023 Moon Shine Cocktail Competition (MSCC), where his skills and creativity were showcased and celebrated.

As a hotel bartender, Mizuki strives to create an inclusive atmosphere where guests from all walks of life feel welcome and eager to return. Through his carefully crafted cocktails and exceptional service, he ensures that each guest leaves with a sense of having experienced something truly special.