オフィシャル

As a student, Mori was a devoted baseball player, narrowly missing the chance to compete at Koshien, Japan’s storied national high school tournament. To pay his college tuition, he worked part-time at Tokyo Kaikan. During a company baseball game, where he played both pitcher and cleanup batter, his performance caught the eye of the bar division chief—who invited him to join the team. Thus began the bartending journey of a young man who, at the time, didn’t even drink.

Driven by a desire to make guests smile, Mori immersed himself in the study of flavor, technique, and hospitality. His calm, discerning palate became his greatest strength. He won the prestigious All Japan Cocktail Competition in consecutive years—1984 and 1985. At the 1987 IBA (International Bartenders Association) World Championships, he earned top scores in both Best Taste and Best Technique, showcasing his mastery on the global stage—18 years after first stepping behind the bar.

A classic martini chills room-temperature gin with ice. The Mori Martini reverses that logic: it begins with gin frozen to −20 °C and is gently stirred with ice to “warm” it to −6 °C through exactly 100 stirs. This unexpected use of ice draws out the gin’s full aroma and flavor, earning acclaim across the cocktail world.

Created in response to a guest’s request for a rum-based martini, this cocktail blends Havana Club 7-Year rum and dry sherry, stirred 100 times at room temperature and served on the rocks. When Mori introduced it in Havana, demand was so high he barely had a moment’s rest.

Named after one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, this MORI BAR GRAN classic blends vodka and green-tea liqueur into a pale green hue that evokes spring. Finished with a floating cherry blossom, it offers a dry, floral touch—symbolizing the “cherry blossoms of Ginza.”

Mori holds the bar spoon between his middle and ring fingers, stirring with only his fingertips. This movement—stripped of anything unnecessary—echoes the Japanese tea ceremony’s reverence for the present moment.

He treats every guest encounter as “a once-in-a-lifetime meeting,” pouring his heart into crafting a singular, special drink imbued with Zen and the spirit of ichigo ichie—treasuring each unique moment.

That said, he’s no silent monk. Mori chats with guests, shares a laugh, and keeps the mood relaxed. But when he picks up the bar spoon, something shifts. Guided by a quiet kind of mindfulness, he reads the room with ease. His movements—simple, precise, and free of fuss—reflect not just skill, but a kind of omotenashi: the gentle art of sensing what someone needs before they ask. It’s not solemn—it’s subtle. And that’s what makes it special.

Many describe him as “divine in technique, Buddha-like in character.” As a longtime instructor at bartending schools, he has taught nearly 6,000 students—about half of whom completed their training at MORI BAR before moving on to careers in bartending.

Once unable to drink and uncertain about his future, Mori found strength in the warm encouragement of mentors and guests. That gratitude fueled his efforts and eventually blossomed into his unique style.

Overcoming countless trials, he earned trust—and with it, even more support and expectations. He likens life itself to being quietly stirred. For Mori, gratitude isn’t just saying “thank you.” It’s the joy of giving: crafting cocktails, sharing his skills, and contributing to the bar community. He calls this philosophy “Martini-ism,” and to this day, he continues to stir a quiet heart of gratitude into every glass.

Mori celebrated his 77th birthday last year surrounded by his apprentices and friends.

In addition to his two flagship bars, he operates another location and remains active—frequently moving among venues. You may not always meet him in person, but each bar is home to talented bartenders who carry on Mori's spirit. If you’re visiting Japan, consider ending your Tokyo journey with a memorable evening at one of Ginza’s finest bars.

Like many bars in Ginza, both MORI BAR and MORI BAR GRAN require a table charge.

An authentic bar in the classic style.

·       Address: La Vialle 7th Floor, 6-5-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

·       Access: 4-minute walk from Ginza Station, one door away from the Shiseido Headquarters.

·       Closed: Sundays and public holidays

·       Phone: 03-3573-0610

·       Average Budget: ¥5,000–¥7,000 (for about 2 drinks)

o   Table charge: ¥1,900

o   Cocktails: ¥1,500–¥2,500 (approx.)

Features a 10-meter-tall cherry tree spanning the 13th floor and rooftop. Enjoy stunning views of Tokyo Tower to the south and Skytree to the north.

·       Seating: 23 seats (10 counter / 8 table / 5 rooftop)

·       Address: 13th Floor, Sakura Marks Ginza 612, 6-12-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

·       Hours:

o   Mon–Fri: 12:00–26:00 (Last order 25:30)

o   Sat, Sun, Holidays: Until 23:00 (Last order 22:30)

·       Closed: Open daily

·       Access: 4-minute walk from Ginza Station Exit A4, behind Ginza Six

·       Table Charge:

o   Before 18:00: ¥1,000

o   After 18:00: ¥1,900

·       Dress Code: No shorts for men indoors

·       Website: https://mori.bar