Anime Central welcomes four distinguished professionals from the international whisky community for a special appearance celebrating the craft and culture of whisky. Featuring experts from KOVAL Distillery, Shinanoya Co., Ltd., and Milwaukee’s renowned Club Bar, this guest lineup highlights the people connecting American whiskey and Japanese whisky culture through production, retail, and bartending. Join them as they share their experiences, industry insights, and passion for whisky with Anime Central attendees.
International Guests of Honor
About Fuyuko Kojima, Brand Manager - Asia, KOVAL Distillery
Inspired to pursue whisky production after studying in Scotland, Fuyuko Kojima joined KOVAL Distillery in 2014. She gained hands-on experience in distillation and production at the Chicago distillery before helping develop the Japanese market. Today, she leads KOVAL’s expansion across Asia, sharing the brand’s craft philosophy and innovative spirit with audiences across the region.
About Shinichi Shirai, Owner, Milwaukee’s Club Bar
Shinichi Shirai is the owner of Milwaukee’s Club Bar, a renowned whisky bar celebrating its 35th anniversary. A pioneer in introducing American whiskey to the Japanese market, he is widely respected as a professional bartender with decades of experience and deep expertise in the whisky industry.
About Yuichiro Uchida, Sales Manager, Shinanoya Co., Ltd.
Since 2008, Yuichiro Uchida has been involved in the sales of a wide range of alcoholic beverages at Shinanoya Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s leading specialty liquor retailers. Starting as a retail sales associate, he advanced to the role of buyer, where he now curates and introduces spirits from around the world. His passion for American whiskey runs hotter than the geysers of Yellowstone National Park.
About Ito Shu, Sales Representative, Cask TRANOMON - Shinanoya Co., Ltd.
Ito Shu developed a deep fascination with the complexity and depth of whisky while working at another liquor retailer in Japan. Joining Shinanoya Co., Ltd. in 2023, Ito now serves as a Sales Representative for Cask TRANOMON. By actively participating in numerous domestic and international whisky events, Ito continues to expand industry knowledge and build a broader global perspective on whisky culture.
Industry Partners
About Anime Central
Anime Central (ACen) is the largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention in Chicago and the Midwest. Anime Central 2026 will take place from May 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
