Akira Zushi
Japan
Club Harie
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I wanted to become a barista by longing for Italian bars. I love coffee, alcohol, and coffee cocktails.
How did you get started in coffee?:
In 2002, when I was longing for Italian bars.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2018 Japan Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, 1st place
2019 Japan Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, 1st place
2018 Brazil World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, 12th place (Round One)
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
I’m excited for beer, and meeting other competitors.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
Irish Coffee, and Silent Third.
What coffee-producing country interests or excites you most?:
Costa Rica
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Skateboard, food, and drink.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
Become an owner of a coffee shop that offers coffee cocktails, and spread the joy of coffee cocktails in Japan.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCIGS?:
All Japanese baristas, JCIGSC competitors, SCAJ, and DCS — thank you!
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