Picture a bartender who turned New York’s cocktail scene upside down with a samurai sword and a playful kitten—meet Masahiro Urushido! Born in Japan’s serene Nagano Prefecture, this visionary mixologist brought his unique blend of Japanese precision and American flair to Katana Kitten, a Japanese-American bar that’s become a global sensation. His debut book, The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, is more than a recipe collection—it’s a love letter to the craft, blending tradition with innovation.
With a megawatt smile and a knack for making every guest feel special, Urushido has redefined hospitality. His bar, ranked #10 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, is a cultural crossroads where highballs meet dive-bar vibes. Let’s dive into the story of this cocktail maestro!
The Making of Masahiro Urushido
Masahiro, or 'Masa' to friends, grew up in Minowa, a small village in Nagano, surrounded by rice fields and his grandparents’ garden. As a teen, he sipped canned whiskey highballs from convenience stores, unaware that mixology would become his destiny. After moving to Tokyo for high school, he worked as a pizza delivery boy and karaoke bar bartender, soaking up the city’s vibrant energy. A pivotal job at Tableaux, a top-tier restaurant, introduced him to fine dining and the art of hospitality, setting the stage for his journey to the U.S.
In 2008, Masa arrived in New York, landing at Saxon + Parole, where he spent seven years honing his craft under industry giants like Dale DeGroff and Audrey Saunders. This melting pot of influences—Japanese precision, American creativity, and a touch of rebellion—shaped his unique approach to bartending.
Masahiro Urushido’s Unforgettable Creations
In 2018, Urushido opened Katana Kitten in New York’s West Village, a bar that blends the meticulousness of Tokyo’s Ginza bars with the laid-back charm of an American dive. The name—pairing a samurai sword with a nod to Hello Kitty—captures his playful yet precise style. Signature drinks like the Hinoki Martini, infused with Japanese cypress, and the Meguroni, a plum-laced Negroni, showcase his knack for reimagining classics with Japanese ingredients like shiso and umeshu.
His 2021 book, The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, co-authored with Michael Anstendig, is a masterclass in mixology. With 80 recipes, it explores Japan’s cocktail heritage, from highballs to intricate creations, while sharing Masa’s journey from Nagano to Manhattan. The book’s stunning photography and tales of kaizen—continuous improvement—make it a must-read for cocktail enthusiasts. Urushido also collaborated with 20 bartenders worldwide, highlighting the global reach of Japanese mixology.
Masa’s style is defined by omotenashi, Japan’s selfless hospitality, and a love for storytelling through drinks. Whether it’s a frothy Calpico Swizzle or a sesame-oil-washed whiskey cocktail, his creations are as approachable as they are innovative, inviting everyone to the bar.
Why Masahiro Urushido Matters
Urushido’s impact transcends cocktails. Katana Kitten, named Best New American Cocktail Bar at the 2019 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, has become a beacon of cultural fusion, inspiring bartenders to blend tradition with creativity. His 2022 Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award, voted by peers, reflects his generosity and influence in the global drinks community. By championing Japanese techniques like ice carving and garnishing, Masa has elevated bartending to an art form.
Through his book and bar, Urushido bridges Japan and America, inviting readers and guests to explore a world of flavors. His story—of a small-town kid becoming a global icon—reminds us that hospitality and hard work can create something truly delicious.
- Born: Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- Key Work: The Japanese Art of the Cocktail (2021)
- Awards: Altos Bartenders’ Bartender 2022, Tales of the Cocktail Best New Bartending Book 2022
- Fun Fact: Masa grows shiso leaves in his Brooklyn garden for Katana Kitten’s drinks!
Ready to shake things up? Grab The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, visit Katana Kitten, or mix a Hinoki Martini at home—Masa’s world of flavors awaits!