Cocktails became popular in Japan around 1950 and reached their peak in 1964, when the Tokyo Olympic Games were held. This boom is considered to have spanned 20 years until approximately 1970. During their peak of popularity, many people made and enjoyed cocktails at their own homes.

Cocktails, as well as wine and other Western liquors are a piece of Western culture that was quickly embraced by Japanese society. Cocktails were once regarded as a symbol of sophistication. They were believed to be a momentary form of art that required full use of all six senses to appreciate them, one that provided the possibilities of endless dream and romance. It was not long before their popularity took root and accordingly resulted in the formulation of what is known as the "Japanese Cocktail Style". This birth of this style was influenced by such Japanese traits as nationality, character and nature which greatly affected the unique taste and techniques involved in making "Japanese Cocktails".

In the past, many Japanese people have ventured overseas in search of the "perfect cocktail". Nowadays, a good number of them return disappointed in the results of their quests. I feel this can be directly attributed to the peculiar likes/dislikes of the Japanese people that call for such things as a delicate sense of taste, exact precision required for making things, a desire for the up most cleanliness, etc., traits that might possibly encompass an entirely different order of priority out West.

The quality and techniques of Japanese bartenders have improved over the years. One reason for this is our never-ending devotion to satisfying our customers with the very best cocktails. Another factor is simply the great pleasure received from satisfying our customers, this has resulted in the ever increasing number of bartenders in Japan. I am positive that we, Japanese bartenders, have made every effort possible to make the best cocktails that suit the unique tastes of the Japanese people and will continue to strive to do so.

I hope we all share the same appreciation for the important mental/spiritual processes involved in making delicious cocktails and that you are also familiar with "Hard Shake" to some degree. I enthusiastically look forward to hearing from you.