Kentaro Wada serves as the head bartender at The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. His journey with The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo began in 2013, following three years at The Backstage in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he refined his craft.

“I remember how I used to enjoy mixing juices when I was just six years of age,” says Wada. “To me, becoming a bartender was like a dream come true.”

Wada has garnered recognition through various competitions, 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.

About The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

Overlooking Tokyo from the 45th floor of one of the city’s tallest buildings, The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton evokes a new-world drink culture in Japan. The concept reinvents the Ginza bar experience by melding the meticulous art of Japanese bartending with a spirit of comfortable yūga—the traditional Japanese concept of refinement. Guests can expect locally inspired cocktails that are synonymous with Japanese drinking culture, featuring micro-seasonal produce and the finest ingredients thoughtfully sourced from around Japan.

Featuring a sought-after collection of rare whiskies and private bottlings sourced from local distilleries, The Bar's menu features shareable plates and signature cocktails including the Diamond Is Forever Martini, which is garnished with a one-carat diamond. Live music is featured each afternoon and evening.