[Shinjuku] Master of Whisky Kazunori Shizutani's Classic and Sophisticated Authentic Bar "BAR LAST WORD" Grand Opens on Saturday, June 13, 2026!

Image of BAR LAST WORD interior and original cocktails.

Royal Mile Co., Ltd. (Representative: Kazunori Shizutani) is pleased to announce the grand opening of its fourth directly managed establishment, the authentic bar "BAR LAST WORD," on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Shinjuku Sanchome, Tokyo. This follows their successful ventures with "BAR LIVET," "BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon," and "BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club." The new establishment is conveniently located within a one-minute walk from the existing bars.

Google Map of the store is here.

BAR LAST WORD

Concept: "A place to enjoy your last drink."

The name "Last Word" is inspired by the world-renowned classic cocktail of the same name, and it also embodies our desire to create a space where guests can unwind with a drink at the end of their day.

We aim to return to the roots of a classic and sophisticated authentic bar. In a refined space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, we will offer cigars, brown spirits such as cognac, rum, and whisky, as well as meticulously crafted modern classic cocktails. In a relaxed atmosphere filled with jazz music from the 1960s and 70s, we will provide a luxurious experience for adults.

Furthermore, starting from July 2026, we plan to host regular events and tasting seminars themed around cigars and brown spirits. We aspire to become a cultural hub that caters to both beginners and connoisseurs, fostering a new bar culture.

Kazunori Shizutani, Representative Director of Royal Mile Co., Ltd. and holder of the "Master of Whisky" title, has recently deepened his understanding of cigars, coffee, and rum through direct on-site learning, including a visit to the El Laguito factory in Cuba during the past year-end and New Year period. He has also visited approximately 100 production sites worldwide, including those for sherry in Spain, cognac in France, and bourbon in Kentucky, USA. Future expeditions to Madeira Island and West Africa are planned, allowing him to distill his extensive global experience into unique pairings.

Store Overview

BAR LAST WORD

Grand Opening: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 19:00 onwards

Address: B1F, T&T II Building, 3-9-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 Google Map

Business Hours: 19:00 - 3:00 AM / 27:00

Regular Holidays: None

Telephone: 03-5990-2635

Royal Mile Co., Ltd. Representative Director: Kazunori Shizutani

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

■ Current Positions and Public Roles

• Owner Bars: "BAR LIVET," "BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon," "Tokyo Bourbon Club"

• Industry Organizations: Vice Director of Technical Guidance, Tokyo Branch, Japan Bartender Association (N.B.A.); Councilor, Japan Whisky Culture Revival Association

• Official Roles: Official Taster, Whisky Galore; Judge & Chairman, Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC)

• Production & Management: Producer, SAKI Glass series; Director, Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery

■ Dedication and Titles: Extensive Expertise

Driven by an insatiable curiosity for whisky, he achieved an unprecedented record by ranking first in Japan across all levels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade) of the Whisky Ken-te (Whisky Examination). His precise palate is further validated by his consecutive wins in blind tasting competitions.

In addition to whisky, he holds professional qualifications in wine, demonstrating a profound understanding of alcoholic beverages in general. Adhering to a hands-on approach, he has visited nearly 100 distilleries both domestically and internationally.

In 2019, he became the youngest person ever to obtain the highest qualification, "Master of Whisky," certified by the Whisky Culture Research Institute.

■ Global Recognition and Competition Achievements

In 2019, he received the "THE GLENLIVET Best Ambassador" award in Scotland. In the same year, at the "TWSC 2019," the "Glenfarclas Black George," which he produced, won three major awards: "Grand Gold Medal," "Best Scotch Single Cask," and "Best of the Best," achieving the world's number one ranking.

Since then, he has served as a judge and chairman for the same competition for six consecutive years.

In cocktail competitions, he has made his mark on a global scale, including representing Japan in "Bols Around The World 2019," winning first place in Japan at "CT Spirits Japan Cocktail Challenge 2021," and being selected in the world's top 10 at "Hennessy My Way 2023."

■ Business Development and Sustainability

As the representative of the operating company, Royal Mile Co., Ltd., his "BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon" received the inaugural "The Bar World of Tomorrow" award.

It was recognized as the most sustainable bar in Tokyo.

Currently, in addition to the directly managed "Tokyo Bourbon Club," he is accelerating expansion with "Roppongi Whisky Salon" and "Omiya Whisky Salon (FC)."

He is leading the "Destination Bar" concept, aiming for expansion nationwide and internationally.

■ Media and Development Activities

He shares information on social media under the name "Shizutani-en," with a total follower count exceeding 1.2 million.

His activities span all areas of the whisky industry, from upstream (manufacturing) to downstream (service), including commentary on BS Fuji's "Whisky Pedia," joint product development with Mitsukoshi Isetan, and serving as a director alongside Takafumi Horie, acting as master blender for distillation and brand design at "Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery" in Taiki Town, Hokkaido.

Company Profile

Company Name: Royal Mile Co., Ltd.

Representative: Kazunori Shizutani (Shizutani-en), Representative Director

Business Description: Operation of bars, brand development including original glasses "SAKI Glass," promotion of distillery projects, etc.

Official Website: https://www.royalmile.tokyo/