Background
Keigo Ishihara is the founder of Whisky Nights. Born and raised in Yokohama, he has long been interested in connecting Japan with the wider world — a thread that eventually led him to work with whisky.
He now runs Whisky Nights from the historic port city of Yokohama, a place closely linked to international trade and cultural exchange.
Where It Began: Bartending in Japan
After graduating from university, Keigo worked as a bartender in Japan. Spending his days surrounded by whisky sparked a deep fascination with its history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
This curiosity soon grew into a desire to learn more — not from books, but from the places where whisky is made.
Studying in the UK and Five Years in Scotland
To deepen his understanding, Keigo moved to the United Kingdom to study at a local college. He later spent five years living in Scotland, immersing himself in the country’s whisky culture.
During this time, he:
- visited distilleries and learned about production
- explored regional styles and flavour differences
- listened to local stories about whisky’s history
- gained insight into the global whisky market and distribution
These experiences — grounded in real places and real people — form the foundation of his approach to Whisky Nights today.
Why He Founded Whisky Nights
Outside Japan, Japanese whisky is highly sought after, yet many enthusiasts face challenges:
- limited access
- inconsistent information
- significant price differences
- uncertainty about where to buy safely
Keigo wanted to bridge that gap.
After returning to Japan, he completed the national Liquor Sales Management Training and obtained the official Liquor Sales Licence (Yokohama Licence No. 59), enabling him to operate legally as an exporter and online retailer of alcohol.
He also studied trade operations and accounting fundamentals to support the international side of the business.
Whisky Nights was created to provide accurate information and a reliable way for customers abroad to purchase Japanese whisky.
His Approach to Whisky Nights
Keigo personally oversees the tone and direction of Whisky Nights. He values:
- honesty and clarity
- respect for craftsmanship
- accurate, understated communication
- reducing uncertainty for international customers
- building trust over time
The calm, measured style of Whisky Nights reflects these principles.
Looking Ahead
Japanese whisky continues to grow in global recognition. Keigo’s aim is to share its appeal with care and accuracy, and to provide an environment where customers around the world can enjoy Japanese whisky with confidence.
Contact
If you have any questions about products, delivery, or availability, please feel free to get in touch.
Contact Page
Related Pages
For information about Whisky Nights as a company: → About Whisky Nights
For details on how Whisky Nights creates and maintains its content: → About the Author – Whisky Nights