Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Kaizen Challenge presented by The House of Suntory Dojo, an immersive bartender development program rooted in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. Designed in partnership with Julia Momose and Hidetsugu Ueno around the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, or “Kaizen,” the program invites bartenders to explore how disciplines beyond bartending can shape and refine their approach behind the bar.

Started in the United Kingdom and now in 10 countries around the world, the Kaizen Challenge builds upon The House of Suntory Dojo’s ongoing educational initiatives designed to share authentic Japanese bartending traditions and practices with the global bar community. Past masterclasses have explored disciplines including tea ceremony, flower arranging, and knife-making, highlighting how craftsmanship and ritual can influence hospitality behind the bar.

The application process will open during May 2026, inviting bartenders from Chicago, Illinois to submit a video application for consideration, with evaluations and selections taking place May 2026. Chicago will serve as the first host city for the program’s U.S. debut in 2026, with plans to explore expansion into additional markets in future years.

Selected participants will join the inaugural cohort and take part in a series of masterclasses, guided discussions, tasting experiences, and both in-person and take-home Kaizen Challenges. Following each masterclass, participants will engage in moderated discussions with Japanese craftspeople, lead mentor Julia Momose and House of Suntory brand ambassadors, exploring how lessons from Japanese craftsmanship, hospitality, and cultural traditions can be applied to cocktail development, service rituals, and guest experience.

The 12 participants with the highest cumulative scores from the first two masterclasses and Kaizen Challenges will advance to the Kaizen Challenge Finale. The program will culminate with one participant being recognized as the program’s Senpai, or “Best in Class Student,” earning the opportunity to travel to Japan for an advanced educational experience at The House of Suntory Dojo Forum in November 2026.

2026 Kaizen Challenge Timeline:

• Application Period – May 16 – June 5, 2026
• Evaluations + Selections – June 6 – 18, 202
• Welcome Event – June 22, 2026
• Masterclass 1 – July 27, 2026
• Masterclass 2 – August 24, 2026
• Kaizen Challenge Finale + Winner Announcement – September 7, 2026
• Dojo Forum in Japan – November 2026

For additional information on Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Kaizen Challenge presented by The House of Suntory Dojo, including upcoming application details and program announcements, please visit the TOTCF website.