From Amsterdam to Nagoya: A Journey of Hospitality, Culture, and Community at Shooters

Two years ago, I left the canals of Amsterdam and, with my Japanese wife and kids, embarked on a new life in Nagoya, Japan.

A Passion For Hospitality

For me, hospitality has always been more than just a career - it's been my passion since I was 16, when I began bartending in a small Dutch village. Over the years, I worked my way through every part of the industry, from bustling bistros in Paris to Michelin-starred kitchens in the Netherlands. But my time at Amsterdam's Okura Hotel truly shaped my journey, introducing me to Japanese hospitality's meticulous detail, warmth, and respect. Little did I know that one day I'd be living in Japan, embracing those same principles and values.

You Can Feel Right at Home

Fast forward to today, and I've found my second home at Shooters Sports Bar & Grill - an American sports bar in Nagoya. This isn't just any bar. Shooters is a gathering place that captures a friendly, international vibe that feels both familiar and fresh, at the same time. As a Dutch guy in Japan, I was pleasantly surprised to find a place like Shooters, where people from around the world come together to enjoy life's simple pleasures: good food, good drinks, and good company. Walking into Shooters felt like walking into a lively bar back in Amsterdam, filled with a friendly atmosphere and welcoming faces.

Friendly International Staff

What makes Shooters truly special is the diverse team of international staff. From the Philippines to Brazil, the team here brings warmth and personality that makes you feel at home, no matter where you're from. It's a place where you can share stories, have a laugh, and enjoy the company of people from across the globe. And that friendly atmosphere spills over to the customers too - you'll find people from Japan, the U.S., Argentina, Ghana, France, Sri Lanka, and beyond, all sharing a common love for great food and drink.

As a Dutchman, one of the things I missed most after moving was the taste of familiar foods, and Shooters didn't disappoint. The menu is packed with international favorites that bring back flavors of home. From Tex-Mex classics like quesadillas and tacos, to crowd-pleasers like juicy hamburgers, pizza, and a perfectly grilled steak, Shooters has something for everyone. It's not just a sports bar, it's a taste of home away from home.

But beyond the food, Shooters is also where Nagoya comes to celebrate. Whether it's a festive Thanksgiving dinner, a lively Halloween party, or a huge Countdown Party for New Year's, Shooters is always buzzing with energy. And of course, being a sports bar means we are constantly tuned in to live sports from around the world including: Formula 1 races (where I always cheer for our Dutch champion!), the Super Bowl, Japanese baseball, rugby, and more.

If you're searching for a friendly sports bar in Nagoya, look no further than Shooters. It's a place where you can experience the best of international hospitality, a friendly atmosphere, and the unique blend of Japanese and Western cultures that makes Nagoya so special. So come in, grab a beer, and join us for a celebration of food, friends, and sports.

At Shooters, you're not just a guest, you're part of the family!