From Nara to Taipei: A Cross-Cultural Cocktail Collaboration by Kaneko Michito and Elmer Chen
After a long-awaited pause, we’re thrilled to resume our international guest series—this time welcoming two bartenders who represent the spirit of East and West: 2015 World Class Global Champion & founder of LAMP BAR, Kaneko Michito, and Elmer Chen, Bar Manager of EAST END.
Hailing from Nara, Japan, Kaneko Michito was born into a family of ceramic artists and raised in an environment rich in aesthetics and craftsmanship. Before entering the bartending world, he worked as a chef and construction worker, eventually beginning his bartending journey at “BAR TENDER” in Wakayama, and later gaining experience at “Bar OLD TIME” in Nara. In 2011, he founded LAMP BAR, which has since earned a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. In 2015, Kaneko San outshone more than 50,000 competitors at the World Class Global Final in Cape Town, South Africa, securing the title of the world’s best bartender.
Kaneko’s bartending philosophy blends the precision of Japanese craftsmanship with artistic sensibility. His creations are known for their refined flavors and visual storytelling, often inspired by nature, art, and everyday life. His signature cocktail, "Colorless" exemplifies this vision—filtering both color and bitterness from aged whisky to produce a drink that is visually transparent yet layered in taste.
Joining him behind the bar is a familiar face to many in Taiwan: Elmer Chen. As the soul of EAST END, Elmer has spent years fostering global connections while staying rooted in Taiwan’s unique identity. EAST END, located on the third floor of HOTEL PROVERBS Taipei, is the first hotel bar in Taiwan to be featured in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, known for its inventive cocktails that spotlight local ingredients.
This evening marks a dialogue between East and West, a shared performance by two masters of their craft. After finally securing the necessary visas and aligning schedules, we are beyond excited to host this collaborative experience.
▍Event Info
📍 Bar Without Anhe
📆 Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 | 20:00–24:00
💵 Minimum spend: $700 NTD per person | 2-hour seating
We warmly invite you to witness a spark behind the bar—just like LAMP BAR brought a glow to Nara, this one-night-only event will light up Anhe Road.