BAR Neji-Kiri:
Breaking New Ground in Nagoya's Bar Scene!
The Unconventional Bartender's New Chapter - Part 2 -

Mr. Yasushi Saito, owner-bartender of "BAR Neji-kui" in Nagoya's Nagono area, has launched various projects alongside running his bar. Word is he's got another new (and truly fascinating) project in the works! We went straight to Mr. Saito himself to find out more.

writer：DRINK PLANET　撮影：川島英嗣

After 13 years of apprenticeship, I've finally opened my own practice!

As mentioned in the previous installment, Mr. Yasushi Saito, the owner-bartender of BAR Neji-kiri, hails from Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture.

In his youth, he found the city of Kanazawa—conservative and insular due to its rich history—unbearably stifling.

From childhood, he had a creative streak, making paintings, comics, and illustrations.

(His mother was a printmaker who even published picture books!)

As a teenager, he became obsessed with music, moving to Yokohama and devoting himself to band activities.

"While working part-time in a bar kitchen in Yokohama, I saw bartending up close for the first time. I think that sparked a vague sense of admiration."

In his twenties, his family moved to Nagoya, so he based himself there, working on film production and other projects.

At age 25, I began my career as a bartender at a long-established authentic bar in Nagoya.

I also honed my service skills working as a waiter at a restaurant for a time, later obtaining my sommelier certification.

After a training period spanning 13 years, he opened his own establishment, "BAR Neji-kui," in Nagoya's Nagono district in August 2014.