Hiroki Ito
Japan
Sarutahiko Coffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Hello, I’m Hiroki and I work at Sarutahiko Coffee in Tokyo. I’ve been a barista for 2 years. Latte art brought me to the coffee industry, and now I love everything about coffee. It’s my first time to participate on the world stage. I’m looking forward to talking with coffee people from around the world. Please feel free talk to me!
How did you get started in coffee?:
I got started because of beautiful latte art, and now I love everything about coffee.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Japan Latte Art Championship 2018, 2nd place.
Japan Latte Art Championship 2019, 1st place.
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
I’m looking forward to sharing information and opinions with the barista from around the world.
What is the most unusual vessel you have poured latte art into?:
A cupping bowl.
What is the secret to great latte art?:
Practice.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Almost everything, because there’s a lot of things I don’t know. So I’m interested in almost everything.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I will not only have been on the World Latte Art stage, but will have also made it to other competitions.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WLAC?:
Of course. All my team; Tomoyuki Otsuka, Kumi Takayama, Koji Kozuka, all the staff of Sarutahiko Coffee, and the National Body. They all took great care of me while I prepare for the world stage.
—
