Akihiko Nosaka, Head Sommelier
Akihiko Nosaka, Head Sommelier and Director of Wines, joined Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo in 2018, overseeing a collection of over 6,000 bottles. He is responsible for curating the wine list and organising special events such as wine and sake programmes, contributing to the hotel's prestigious wine offerings. Nosaka gained significant recognition in 2023 when he won the "Best Sommelier of Japan" title at the 10th Pan-Japan Best Sommelier Competition, a prestigious award granted by the Japan Sommelier Association. This achievement solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Japan's sommelier industry. Nosaka also leads a team of five sommeliers, such as Hiroki Ikeda and Maika Yamamoto, also making impressive strides in national competitions. Nosaka's approach to wine is deeply artistic, blending rich traditions of winemaking with modern and global influences.
