Tennessee alum brings Rocky Top spirit to Japan, running a Vols-themed bar in Tokyo for fans far from home.

In a quiet alleyway just steps from Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku nightlife district, a flicker of orange glows from a neon sign that might look out of place in the heart of Japan’s capital. But step inside, and it all makes sense. “Rocky Top Tokyo,” the Vols-themed sports bar opened by University of Tennessee graduate Michael Sanders, is a shrine to Big Orange Country 6,700 miles away from Neyland Stadium.

With checkerboard tablecloths, Peyton Manning jerseys on the wall, and “Rocky Top” playing softly in the background, the bar has become a haven for American expats, college football fans, and curious locals. For Sanders, it’s the realization of a dream he never imagined would take root in Japan — a tribute to his alma mater and the spirit of community that defines Tennessee athletics.

From Knoxville to the Far East

Michael Sanders didn’t plan to live in Tokyo when he graduated from UT in 2007 with a degree in international business. But a post-graduation teaching opportunity through the JET Programme sent him abroad, and what was supposed to be a year-long stint turned into a new life.

“I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the energy of Tokyo,” Sanders said. “But what I missed most was game day in Knoxville. The food, the atmosphere, the sense of being surrounded by family — that’s something you can’t just find anywhere.”

After years of teaching, followed by a transition into the hospitality industry, Sanders noticed something missing in Tokyo’s thriving bar scene: a real American-style sports bar with deep college football roots. Inspired by his alma mater and driven by homesickness during football season, he decided to combine his passions into a business.

In 2021, despite pandemic-related delays, Sanders opened “Rocky Top Tokyo” — a bar where Big Orange fans, curious Tokyo locals, and SEC die-hards could come together under one roof.

A Slice of Tennessee in Japan

Walk through the door at Rocky Top Tokyo, and you’re greeted by the warm smell of hot wings, slow-cooked pulled pork, and Tennessee whiskey. The bar is covered in Vols memorabilia: a signed Pat Summitt photo, a replica of the 1998 national championship trophy, and a wall-sized mural of Neyland Stadium under the lights.

But it’s not just a museum — it’s a living, breathing gathering spot. Every Tennessee football game is streamed live, often in the early hours of the morning thanks to the 13-hour time difference. Fans show up in orange gear, sip on “Checkerboard Cocktails,” and belt out “Rocky Top” like they’re back in Knoxville.

“I’ve had UT grads cry the first time they walk in,” Sanders said. “They say it feels like home, even though we’re halfway around the world.”

It’s not just Vols fans who show up, either. Sanders welcomes anyone with a love of college sports — Alabama fans included, though they may have to drink from a crimson cup. On Saturdays, the bar transforms into a mini-SEC hub, with multiple screens showing different games and customers arguing passionately about the AP Top 25.

Building Community in a Global City

In a city of 14 million people, finding community can be a challenge — especially for expats. Sanders says one of the most rewarding parts of running the bar has been helping people feel less alone.

“Tokyo can be isolating, especially if you don’t speak the language fluently,” he said. “This bar gives people a place where they know the songs, they know the chants, they know they belong.”

Rocky Top Tokyo has become more than just a sports bar. It’s hosted UT alumni meetups, virtual tailgates with folks back in Knoxville, watch parties for Lady Vols basketball games, and even a Japanese-English language exchange club with a Vols twist.

One local regular, Hiroshi Tanaka, discovered college football through the bar and is now a devoted Tennessee fan. “I didn’t understand American football at first,” Tanaka said, laughing. “But now I have a Vols T-shirt, and I yell at the TV like everyone else.”

Merging Cultures with Southern Hospitality

Sanders has made a conscious effort to blend Tennessee traditions with Japanese culture. The menu features classics like BBQ ribs, macaroni and cheese, and hot chicken — but with local ingredients and a nod to Japanese flavors. His signature “Wasabi Whiskey Wings” are a hit with both locals and visiting Americans.

He’s also adopted a Japanese approach to customer service, prioritizing respect, presentation, and cleanliness. “Southern hospitality and omotenashi [Japanese hospitality] actually go really well together,” he explained. “It’s about making people feel at home, even if it’s their first time through the door.”

Sanders’ staff includes both fellow expats and Japanese locals, all trained in SEC football basics — and all able to explain why Peyton Manning should’ve won the Heisman in 1997.

From Rocky Top to Global Top

The success of the bar has surprised even Sanders. What began as a passion project has attracted attention from Japanese media, American travel blogs, and even the University of Tennessee itself. The school sent a care package of flags, coasters, and signed memorabilia after learning about the bar through social media.

“They told me, ‘You’re doing the Lord’s work out there,’” Sanders joked.

Rocky Top Tokyo’s Instagram has grown to over 25,000 followers, and Vols players have begun tagging the bar when they visit Japan in the offseason. There’s even talk of hosting a UT Tokyo Alumni Golf Tournament in 2026.

More than just a business, the bar has become a symbol of Tennessee pride abroad — a reminder that the Volunteer spirit travels.

The Future of Rocky Top Tokyo

As the bar approaches its fourth year, Sanders is already planning expansions. He hopes to open a second location in Osaka and is working with SEC alumni groups in Asia to host traveling watch parties. He’s also launched a merch line featuring Japanese-style Vols gear, including a samurai version of Smokey the dog.

But for all the growth, Sanders says his mission remains the same: create a space where anyone — whether they’re from Memphis, Murfreesboro, or Meguro — can feel like they’re part of something special.

“I want people to walk in and feel like they just stepped into Knoxville, no matter where they’re from,” he said. “Because Rocky Top isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. And that feeling belongs everywhere.”

One Man’s Mission, One School’s Legacy

Michael Sanders didn’t set out to be an ambassador for the University of Tennessee in Asia. But through Rocky Top Tokyo, he’s done just that. His bar is more than a novelty — it’s a beacon of connection, nostalgia, and pride for anyone who’s ever shouted “Go Vols!” at a crowded tailgate or tuned in from thousands of miles away.

In a world where college football is becoming more global and fan bases more dispersed, Sanders has shown how one person’s love for their school can spark something extraordinary — even in the heart of Tokyo.

And if you ever find yourself in Japan, craving orange and white and the sound of a familiar fight song echoing through a foreign city, you’ll know exactly where to go.