Yakoboku:
From Kumamoto to Yoichi, Hokkaido!?
Methods Only Possible at a Regional Bar - Part 2 -

Yakoboku, a bar in Kumamoto—a regional city in Japan—is arguably one of the world's most famous bars. And now, it's set to open in Yoichi, Hokkaido, in spring 2026!? We spoke with co-founder and owner bartender Shinya Koba about the bar's journey so far and its future prospects!

writer：DRINK PLANET　撮影：大塚淑子

To the unexplored Singapore!

Mr. Koba, originally from Kumamoto, entered the liquor industry after working part-time at a local liquor store following high school graduation.

When he told the store manager, "I enjoy talking with customers," he received the advice: "Then why not become a bartender? You can delight customers not only through service but also with drinks you create yourself."

(Incidentally, the manager was a former bartender!)

He then honed his skills as a bartender, starting at an authentic bar in Kumamoto and later at a restaurant bar in Tokyo.

The turning point came in 2014, when he was 29.

A former colleague working in Singapore told him, "A bar in Singapore is looking for a bartender."

"It was a time when, while interacting with many customers in Tokyo, my desire to properly serve international guests in English had grown stronger. After an online interview, I successfully received the job offer. But honestly, I had never even been to Singapore before (laughs)."