Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2012

Japan’s two reigning world champion bartenders, Takafumi Yamada and Manabu Ohtake will be demonstrating their fruit-cutting and cocktail-making skills at this weekend’s Whisky Live. Japanese whiskies have finally taken their rightful place on the world stage. Launched in 2000, by Whisky Magazine, Whisky Live gives cognoscenti and amateurs alike the chance to mingle with producers and distillers—and of course sample the finest rare whiskies. In addition to bartenders’ stage performances at the Spirits & Cocktail Zone and exhibitions at the Tokyo International Bar Show, award-winning drinks writer Dave Broom will be hosting a series of educational seminars throughout the weekend.

Tokyo Midtown, May 5-6 (listing).