Akiko Kaneko is in charge of PR communication, marketing, and branding for all aspects of lifestyle, from fashion to wine and hotels, with a focus on overseas luxury brands. She has been involved in this work for many years, and in 2010 she established her own company, expanding her range of activities. In 2018, he was awarded the Cavaliere of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI) for his achievements in promoting and nurturing Italian-related manufacturers and culture in Japan, which are trusted by designers and brand owners around the world, and which he does a lot of business with. The space that Kaneko visits at night is also filled with Italian aesthetics.
In Ginza early at night
casual moment
Have a drink in a sophisticated space
I grew up in Mejiro, Tokyo, and Ginza was a familiar neighborhood to me from childhood. Kaneko's children's clothes were always ordered in Ginza, and after living in the scent of Tokyo's mountains, Kaneko naturally entered the world of fashion. On an early autumn evening, she invited me to the ``Armani/Ristorante Kanojo Wine Lounge'' on the 5th floor of Armani/Ginza Tower in Ginza 11-chome.
``There aren't many restaurants in Ginza that are open until late at night, but this is a rare place where you can stay until 23pm.You can stop by and have a drink whenever you feel like it.After watching a theater at Kabukiza. I also come here on my way home from a work event, or before or after a meal in Ginza.It's a comfortable and beautiful restaurant, perfect for meeting up with friends." Downstairs from this lounge bar, on the 10th floor, is the formal Italian restaurant Armani/Ristorante, which is sometimes visited for dinner.


At the counter of Armani/Ristetrante's wine lounge, Mr. Kaneko teaches us how to enjoy an evening starting with Italian sparkling wine, Franciacorta.
Enjoy at a modern bar
beautiful customs of italy
aperitivo
What you should definitely enjoy at Armani/Ristorante Wine Lounge is the APERITIVO, which is a beautifully presented array of finger foods. The appetizer platter is a rich expression of modern Italian cuisine in a small size, and the contents change seasonally. At this time, a total of 8 dishes, including Omar's Caesar salad, prosciutto and Parmigiano chips, eight elaborate dishes, as well as olives and nuts, will be served at an ARMANI high tea stand. Enjoy free-flowing champagne or wine to satisfy your hunger, and finish off with pasta. There are some regulars who use it in this way. The furniture, fixtures, and glasses are all original, creating a space where you can enjoy Armani's aesthetics with all five senses.


``APERITIVO BOX'' is a menu filled with creative appetizers that will please both your eyes and your palate. Aperitivo means an aperitif, but now it refers to enjoying an aperitif with a light snack. The photo is "APERITIVO ARMANI SUMMER 2019". The contents change depending on the season.


"Aperitivo Box" (8,500 yen service charge, tax included) is available for 18 minutes from 00:19 to 30:90 (LO). Free-flow wines including Franciacorta, white wine, red wine, cocktails, and even whiskey are offered. Franciacorta moves on to the special finger food. Reservation required.
Italy's best sparkling
Franciacorta
To make people more familiar with Japan
The in-store cellar of Armani/Ristorante Wine Lounge is lined with brands that will please wine lovers. Along with a selection of champagnes and wines, this lounge bar also offers Italian sparkling wine, Franciacorta. Produced in the Lombardy region of northwestern Italy, this wine is designated as a Protected Designation of Origin (DOCG), and is known as a valuable wine with strict manufacturing standards and limited production. Mr. Kaneko has also served as the representative of the Franciacorta Association Japan Office since 2013, and in the summer of 2019, he opened the Franciacorta Bar on the third floor of Hankyu Men's in Yurakucho. ``It's unique in that you can enjoy a wide variety of Franciacorta by the glass, and I was surprised that there were so many female customers even though it was on a floor with only men's brands.People who stacked three or four glasses and enjoyed a variety of brands. There are some.” It was a smooth start as the first bar in Japan to bear the Franciacorta name.


Grand cuvée brut from ``Bellavista'', a brand representing Franciacorta. It is popular for its gorgeous and harmonious taste.
from the world
Luxe and high quality items
The days we pass on to Japan
In the world of high fashion, which changes rapidly with the times, Kaneko is deeply trusted by overseas designers. She has a particularly long relationship with Jil Sander. ``We are striving to strategically develop the best things from around the world in a way that fits the Japanese market and sensibilities.Even if we look elegant by dealing with luxurious and beautiful things, we are constantly working hard and being diligent. "Sometimes it feels like operating a bicycle," he says with a laugh. Even though she was swimming slowly, she was like a swan, moving her legs hard under the water.
She wraps her tall body in a simple and chic outfit, making her look dignified and supple. Kaneko gives me the impression that she is calm, clear, and yet friendly. Her secret to staying active internationally for a long time in this fashionable world is to get to know Japan well. Not only because of her talent, but also because of her charming interpersonal skills. She grew up in Ginza, where she developed her sense and sensibility since childhood, and now, as a mature woman, she delivers high quality and beautiful things from all over the world to many people.
Akiko Kaneko
A.KA Tokyo Co., Ltd. Representative Director and President
Graduated from Gakushuin University Faculty of Law, Department of Law. She is mainly involved in PR communication, brand research and new brand development work, and brand introduction and distribution in Japan, mainly in the fashion industry. She obtained her hospitality coordinator qualification. In 2018, she was awarded the Cavaliere of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (OMRI). Her hobbies are traveling, sports, and discovering new things. She also continues to do Zumba, which involves dancing and exercising to Latin music.
Armani/Ristrante ARMANI/RISTRANTE
The 10th floor is a formal restaurant serving modern Italian cuisine, and the dress code is smart casual. The bar lounge on the 11th floor is open from noon until night, and is an easy-to-use space that can be used as a cafe for lunch, as an aperitif before a meal, or as a place to relax after a meal. The counter with ARMANI's original design and the navy curved seats create a homely atmosphere. Armani Ginza Tower was renovated in the spring of 2018, offering even more sophisticated elegance and high-quality service. Reservations are required for the ``APERITIVO BOX,'' which Mr. Kaneko enjoyed.
Ristorante (10F)
ランチ:11:30~15:00(L.O.14:00)ディナー:18:00~23:00(L.O.20:30)
Lounge bar (11F)
月~土:11:30~23:00(L.O.22:30)日:11:30~20:00(L.O.19:30)
Closed on Mondays, year-end and New Year holidays, and other irregular holidays
Armani/Ginza Tower, 5-5-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
arimaniristorante@giorgioarmani.co.jp
FRANCIACORTA BAR
There is a bar specializing in Franciacorta produced in Lombardy, Italy, on the 3rd floor of Hankyu Men's Tokyo in Yurakucho, Tokyo. You can easily enjoy several types of Franciacorta at any time with a visor glass. I want to stop by while shopping.
Hankyu Men's Tokyo 2rd floor, 5-1-3 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
11:00-20:00 (business days, business hours follow Hankyu Men's Tokyo)
https://www.franciacorta.net/ja/
Photography by Ahlum Kim
Lounge
Premium Salon
Tokyo, 7pm
Premium Salon