Date of publication: Mar 02, 2020
Manuel Rodrigues
- General Manager
- https://sarment.com/?v=24d22e03afb2
Date of birth: Jan. 27, 1985
Hometown: Chablis, France
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 5 (as of March 2020)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
I was 21 years old and living in Dubai. During that period I met an incredible Japanese lady who today is my wife. The first time I came to Japan was with her. We visited Kyoto and the magical and historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. It was an unforgettable experience.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
Don’t be scared to get out of your comfort zone (that’s where the magic happens). Every experience is a great experience. Enjoy the successful ones and learn from the bad ones. Turning a bad and difficult experience into a positive one by learning from it is what makes you grow in any aspect of life — personally and professionally.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
Working in one of the best hotels in the World (Dubai’s Burj al Arab) and working in so many different places with amazing people from different cultures — France, Dubai Singapore and Japan. Also, working at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo; playing a major role in the success of the food and beverage department of this iconic hotel was a great experience.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
There are so many… Making Sarment play a major role in the wine, luxury and service industry. Transmit our philosophy when it comes to enjoying wines — drinking and sharing more wine at home with friends and family, not only at restaurants and bars. Connecting the wine and spirits world to that of luxury services. In 2020, very good and personalized services are more luxurious than luxury (as it is traditionally known). Luxury is no longer confined to rare, unique brand products.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
Be respectful, follow the rules, be patient and enjoy the quality of life and opportunities that Japan offers.
Last updated: Mar 02, 2020