Shima Murakoshi
Japan
Coffee Factory
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I was born and raised in Tsukuba city, Ibaraki, in 1986. I studied pre-school education at college and worked at kindergarten for Japanese children in Thailand for 4 years. After that, I returned to Japan and started working at COFFEE FACTORY where my current workplace is.
How did you get started in coffee?:
After graduated from college and worked at kindergarten for four years in Thailand, I returned to my home town, Tsukuba City in Ibaraki, Japan. When I came back, I took a walk everyday at Doho-park, in Tsukuba city. I had a dog walking partner, that brought me my current workplace, Coffee Factory. When I visited for the first time, I drank a cappuccino and I was surprised by it. What a delicious coffee! I had never experienced deliciousness like that before, and I came back to Coffee Factory everyday. A few months later, the owner’s wife offered me a position, and coffee became my job.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2014 Japan Cup Tasters Championship – 2nd Place
2015 Japan Cup Tasters Championship – Preliminary Round
2016 Japan Cup Tasters Championship – 4th Place
2017 Japan Cup Tasters Championship – 1st Place
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
Brazilian foods! I like to try various foods from around the world.
What is your favorite coffee to cup?:
Coffees with bright acidity and sweet after-taste. I especially like Ethiopia.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I’m interested in traveling, whether it’s a small trip or a big journey. I also like to listen to Japanese rock music, and sometimes I go to music festivals.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
I might still be working in Coffee Factory, but I can definitely see myself still enjoying my life and coffee!
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
To Coffee Factory’s owner, Furuhashi, who has made eight set triangulations everyday—thank you!
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