Kaoru Kamiyama
Japan
Maruyama Coffee
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’ve been working as a barista since 2005. Originally, I started working in this industry because of the attractions to baristas as a cool profession, as well as the latte art. However, as I got more into the work, my interests went in different directions: taste, brewing, and origin. To expand the possibilities of challenging myself, I joined in Maruyama Coffee 4 years ago. By learning about coffees and brushing up on brewing skills in more depth at Maruyama, I won the 2017 Japan Brewers Cup on my 3rd attempt. Now, by working as a barista at Maruyama I continue to pursue the perfect cup.
How did you get started in coffee?:
I was attracted by baristas and their moves, as well as the latte art. I thought they were cool.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2017 Japan Brewers Cup Champion
2016 Japan Brewers Cup – 8th (Semi Finalist)
2015 Japan Brewers Cup – Preliminary Round
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
Experience the food, climate, and coffee shops.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
Tasting Los Nogales, the first champion of Cup Of Excellence Colombia in 2005. Really surprised with its rich fruity sweetness.
What is your favorite coffee brewing method and why?:
4:6 brew method (by Tetsu Kasuya, 2016 World Brewers Cup Champion.) This is a method that anybody can use to brew coffees easily and well. Thus, I try this method for any coffees I brew for the first time.
What coffee-producing country most interests or excites you?:
Honduras. First of all, my first origin trip was to Honduras where many wonderful coffees are produced. Then, I won the national championship using a Honduran coffee. Because of that, I have a special feeling for Honduras. The coffee I used at the national championship was produced by a husband and wife team, Marysabel Caballero and Moises Herrera of Farm El Puente. They have wonderful passions and attitudes for coffee, and I really love and respect them.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Music, reading, movies, swimming, tennis.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
I will be brewing coffee and pursuing the delights of coffee as ever.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
Maruyama Coffee, family, and coffee friends… thank you!
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