Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Kaizen Challenge presented by The House of Suntory Dojo, an immersive bartender development program rooted in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. Designed in partnership with Julia Momose and Hidetsugu Ueno around the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, or “Kaizen,” the program invites bartenders to explore how disciplines beyond bartending can shape and refine their approach behind the bar.
Started in the United Kingdom and now in 10 countries around the world, the Kaizen Challenge builds upon The House of Suntory Dojo’s ongoing educational initiatives designed to share authentic Japanese bartending traditions and practices with the global bar community. Past masterclasses have explored disciplines including tea ceremony, flower arranging, and knife-making, highlighting how craftsmanship and ritual can influence hospitality behind the bar.
The application process will open during May 2026, inviting bartenders from Chicago, Illinois to submit a video application for consideration, with evaluations and selections taking place May 2026. Chicago will serve as the first host city for the program’s U.S. debut in 2026, with plans to explore expansion into additional markets in future years.
Selected participants will join the inaugural cohort and take part in a series of masterclasses, guided discussions, tasting experiences, and both in-person and take-home Kaizen Challenges. Following each masterclass, participants will engage in moderated discussions with Japanese craftspeople, lead mentor Julia Momose and House of Suntory brand ambassadors, exploring how lessons from Japanese craftsmanship, hospitality, and cultural traditions can be applied to cocktail development, service rituals, and guest experience.
The 12 participants with the highest cumulative scores from the first two masterclasses and Kaizen Challenges will advance to the Kaizen Challenge Finale. The program will culminate with one participant being recognized as the program’s Senpai, or “Best in Class Student,” earning the opportunity to travel to Japan for an advanced educational experience at The House of Suntory Dojo Forum in November 2026.
2026 Kaizen Challenge Timeline:
- Application Period – May 16 – June 5, 2026
- Evaluations + Selections – June 6 – 18, 202
- Welcome Event – June 22, 2026
- Masterclass 1 – July 27, 2026
- Masterclass 2 – August 24, 2026
- Kaizen Challenge Finale + Winner Announcement – September 7, 2026
- Dojo Forum in Japan – November 2026
For additional information on Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Kaizen Challenge presented by The House of Suntory Dojo, including upcoming application details and program announcements, please visit the TOTCF website.
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About The House of Suntory
Suntory is renowned as the founding house of Japanese Whisky, beginning with Shinjiro Torii’s creation of Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki in 1923 and carried forward by his son, Keizo Saji, founder of the Hakushu and Chita Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation.
Today, the House of Suntory continues to craft award-winning spirits, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Chita®, Kakubin®, Hibiki®, and Suntory Whisky Toki™. All 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan, in full compliance with the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) standards. The House of Suntory also includes Roku™ Japanese Gin, Haku™ Japanese Vodka, and Kanáde Japanese Liqueur, reflecting the same dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation that have defined Suntory for over a century. =
In 2025, Yamazaki® made history at the International Spirits Challenge as the first brand to win Supreme Champion Spirit three years in a row, and in 2024, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was named Master Blender of the Year. Furthering this legacy of excellence, the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery, home to Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and Kanáde Japanese Liqueur was awarded the 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). The House of Suntory will open the Osaka Craft Distillery to the public for the first time in 2026.
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy, and community support. As the world’s leading spirits education platform, the Foundation provides year-round programs and initiatives that foster professional growth and drive meaningful change. Each July, the industry gathers in New Orleans, the beating heart of cocktail culture and hospitality, for a one-of-a-kind conference that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other. Guided by its core pillars—Educate, Advance, and Support—the Foundation’s impact extends far beyond the U.S., reaching professionals and communities around the world. Tales of the Cocktail will take place in New Orleans July 19-24, 2026. #totc2026
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