The Exclusive mentorship and development programme ON
THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY AND AUTHENTIC JAPANESE BAR CULTURE
dojo 2026
DOJO Programme
Exclusively available to 20 bartenders from across the UK, The DOJO UK programme will provide six months of intensive growth and development including 4 Essence of Japan masterclasses.
KAIZEN MENU
Kaizen means Continuous Improvement. At the end of the programme, you will create your own 3 drink Kaizen Menu and host it in your venue to further refine your skills ahead of the Closing Ceremony.
cLOSING CEREMONY
The DOJO Closing Ceremony will consist of a full day of community, learning and Kaizen Drinks. One lucky bartender will win a once in a lifetime trip to Japan with The House of Suntory.
Omotenashi
When you complete the DOJO programme it doesn’t finish there. You will become part of the DOJO community where lifelong friendships are made during Omotenashi events held throughout the year.
DOJO 2026 DATES:
30th March | Stage 1 Applications Open
13th April | Stage 1 Applications Close
20th April | Stage 2 Applications Open
4th May | Stage 2 Applications Close
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24th – 26th June 2026 | The Essence of Japan Masterclasses
July 2026 (Dates TBC) | 1-2-1 Mentorship Meetings
11th August – 1st September 2026 | Kaizen Menu
2nd September 2026 | DOJO Closing Ceremony
THE ESSENCE OF JAPAN MASTERCLASSES
WA
Inspired by Harmony between People & Nature
WAGASHI
Traditional Japanese Confectionary
MONOZUKURI
Elevated by Japanese Craftsmanship
UKIYO-E
Japanese Woodblock Printing
OMOTENASHI
Savored through Authentic Japanese Experiences
OTSUMAMI
Japanese Bite-Sized
Snacks
WIN A TRIP TO JAPAN
Showcase your newly acquired skills after each Masterclass by tackling Kaizen challenges for a chance to win exclusive prizes, including Japanese bar tools, Suntory whiskies, and unique experiences. All participants will have the opportunity to present their refined Kaizen Menu Drinks to the Bar Masters, with one fortunate winner earning a once-in-a-lifetime Suntory experience in Japan!
Date: November 2026 (TBC)