Chikako Nakai
Japan
UCC Holdings Co., Lt
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’m Chikako Nakai from UCC HOLDINGS in Japan. It’s been 10 years since I started as a barista. I am competing while working at a UCC managed café and conducting seminar activities.
What are you excited to do in Boston?:
Firstly, share my coffee and my idea about brewing to the world. Second, meet all the champions from all around the world, and exchange our thoughts about coffee about brewing.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2018 Japan Brewers Cup Champion
2018 Japan Siphonist Championship – 2nd Place
2016 Japan Siphonist Championship – 2nd Place
2015 Japan Siphonist Championship – 2nd Place
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
As long as coffee lovers are there, new coffee and techniques will keep appearing. I feel excited because a lot still remains unknown in coffee. I can see the industry becoming more sustainable and more high-tech.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I think I will continue enjoying coffee. I hope that I can connect with more coffee lovers in the future.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I love music. Especially classical and brass band music. I have a license as a junior high school and high school music teacher.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
Team UCC Japan, the president of my company, SCAJ, my family, my friends, and many of my colleagues that have supported me in various aspects. I really appreciate your help!
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