Originally from a small town in Nagano Prefecture of Japan, Masa began his hospitality journey at 19 as a food runner before immersing himself in the Tokyo bar scene, learning the craft of classic cocktails and the art of ice carving, before moving to New York in 2008. This multi-award-winning bartender, acclaimed author of The Japanese Art of the Cocktail, and Managing Partner and Director of Deliciousness at Katana Kitten, one of the world’s best cocktail bars, is quick to attribute his success to the hospitality community that helped him along the way. He is grateful to have support and inspirations from his beautiful wife, Taryn, and super star daughter, Azusa, as they live their dream in Brooklyn.

Musician-turned-mixologist, Gardner Dunn went from touring and recording studio albums with blues, ska and punk bands, to making cocktails at some of New York’s top venues. A graduate of the Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR), he is now in his 12th year proudly working as Senior Brand Ambassador for Suntory Whisky. A recipient of both the Whisky Guild’s prestigious ‘Brand Ambassador of the Year’ award and ‘Icon of Whisky’ award for North America, Gardner’s dedication to his craft makes him the perfect representative for Japan’s first and oldest distillery. He stays connected to traditional craftsmanship while studying modern culture, new techniques, and trends with frequent trips to Japan.