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The Drinker’s Guide to Japan

An Essential Handbook to Japanese Drinks and Drinking Culture
Brief Description
Japanese alcohol remains one of the world’s great drinking enigmas – always alluring, sometimes intimidating and often misunderstood. The Drinker’s Guide to Japan cuts through the hyperbole and mystique with a bold, pretension-free approach that’s about real drinking and not theory: what to order, where to... Read More
Format: Hardback
$3000
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Releases 1st October 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Drinker’s Guide to Japan" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Japanese alcohol remains one of the world’s great drinking enigmas – always alluring, sometimes intimidating and often misunderstood. The Drinker’s Guide to Japan cuts through the hyperbole and mystique with a bold, pretension-free approach that’s about real drinking and not theory: what to order, where to drink it, and how to do so with confidence, whether you’re in a neon-lit alleyway in Osaka or browsing exotic bottles back home.

Written by Tokyo-based restaurateur and Japanese alcohol expert Wayne Shennen and internationally bestselling author Jesse Fink, this book distils years of on-the-ground research and knowledge into clear, practical guidance. You won’t become an expert, but you will drink better – freed from guesswork, clumsy translations and the lingering sense that Japanese alcohol is just too complicated to even try.

Lavishly illustrated with stunning location photography from across the country, The Drinker’s Guide to Japan is both a visual journey and an indispensable companion. Like travel itself, it will open new doors – transforming Japanese drinks and drinking culture from something inscrutable, privileged and confounding into something thrilling, accessible and deeply rewarding.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781837836031

Publisher: Quadrille Publishing Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 October 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Quadrille Publishing Ltd

Illustration: Full-colour photography throughout

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 216.0mm

Height: 283.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Wayne Shennen (Author)
Wayne Shennen was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and grew up in Tauranga. He is the co-author (with Jesse Fink) of The Drinker’s Guide to Japan. Shennen started his career in hospitality in 2002, working as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Japan and England, and gained certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine Scholar Guild and the Sake Education Council. He has worked in sake breweries in Ishikawa, Saga and Gifu prefectures and written and presented films for the Japanese Sake and Shochu Makers Association. Shennen is regularly invited to speak about Japanese alcohol at international festivals and events for foreign dignitaries in Japan. He speaks Japanese and owns and runs Rangitoto Tokyo, a restaurant and bar in Ochanomizu, Tokyo. He lives in Tokyo with his Japanese wife, Makie, and their young son, Kauri.

Jesse Fink (Author)
Jesse Fink was born in London and grew up in Sydney, Australia. He is the author or co-author of seven books, including The Drinker’s Guide to Japan (with Wayne Shennen), The Eagle in the Mirror, Pure Narco, Bon: The Last Highway and The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC. He lives in Bedfordshire with his English wife, Alexis, and has an adult daughter, Billie, who lives in Australia.

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