Kazunori Shizutani, Representative Director of Royal Mile Co., Ltd., a Leading Figure in the Whisky World, Appointed Advisor to the Highball Culture Promotion Association

Royal Mile Co., Ltd., which operates three directly managed bars based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, develops the original glass brand "Saki Glass Series," runs a distillery business, and expands whisky salons through franchising, is pleased to announce that its representative, Kazunori Shizutani, has been appointed as an advisor to the "Highball Culture Promotion Association." In commemoration of this appointment, a party will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2026.

Background of Appointment In recent years, while the whisky market has once again garnered attention both domestically and internationally, its enjoyment often remains confined to a segment of enthusiasts. Challenges persist in broadening its appeal as a "culture of everyday enjoyment." Especially for younger generations and light users, whisky can still be perceived as a complex and high-barrier luxury item.

On the other hand, highballs, with their lightness and versatility, have been widely embraced as an entry point to whisky, expanding the range of drinking occasions. In this context, there is a need to integrate "specialized whisky culture" with "highball culture open to daily life" to deliver the depth of whisky to more people.

Kazunori Shizutani, Representative of Royal Mile Co., Ltd., believes that "the highball culture, which has uniquely developed in Japan, is now synonymous with a toast and serves as an entry point to whisky culture." Through bar management, glass development, franchise expansion, distillery business, and the development of original whisky-based cocktails (uniquely defined as "Whisk-tails"), he has been committed to expanding the reach of whisky culture.

These business activities strongly resonate with the vision of the Highball Culture Promotion Association, which advocates for "turning an ordinary drink into infinite possibilities."

With Kazunori Shizutani joining as an advisor, we will integrate the profound value of whisky, underpinned by expertise, with highball culture that everyone can enjoy, thereby creating a culture that is more open to society.

About Kazunori Shizutani, Representative Director of Royal Mile Co., Ltd. Kazunori Shizutani is an owner bartender who obtained the "Master of Whisky," the most difficult qualification certified by the Whisky Culture Institute, in 2019 at the youngest age ever (at the time of acquisition).

His activities are diverse, including the development of the original glass brand "Saki Glass Series" that maximizes the potential of whisky, serving as an official taster for "Whisky Galore" magazine, and media appearances including BS Fuji's "Whisky Pedia."

Furthermore, he participates as a director and master blender at the "Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery" in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, challenging himself to produce whisky and gin utilizing local ingredients.

On social media, he has over 1.2 million followers as "Bartender Shizutani-en" and continues to expand the reach of whisky culture.

Current Positions and Public Offices Directly Managed Bars: - BAR LIVET - BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon - BAR TOKYO BOURBON CLUB - BAR LAST WORD (Scheduled to open in June 2026)

Industry Organizations: - Deputy Head of Technical Guidance, Tokyo Branch, Nippon Bartenders Association (N.B.A.) - Councilor, Japan Whisky Culture Revival Association

Official Duties: - Official Taster, Whisky Galore - Judge and Chairman, Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC)

Production and Management: - Producer, Saki Glass Series - Director, Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery - Whisky Salon Franchise Headquarters

About the Highball Culture Promotion Association The Highball Culture Promotion Association, with the mission of "turning an ordinary drink into infinite possibilities," aims to create new joys for people and society through the lightness, diversity, and playfulness of highballs. It values three core principles: enjoying oneself, opening up to society through toasts, and harmonizing the richness of life and society, and continues its activities based on these values.

Comment from Kazunori Shizutani, Representative Director of Royal Mile Co., Ltd. Kazunori Shizutani, Representative Director of Royal Mile Co., Ltd.

Highballs are one of the most open entry points to encountering the culture of whisky. I believe they are light and accessible cocktails that anyone can naturally pick up.

On the other hand, whisky is an extremely profound liquor built upon a long accumulation of distillation, aging, blending, and the philosophy of its creators. I have constantly contemplated how to spread its value to society and pass it on to the next generation, while being involved in distillery production, product development, and the service frontline.