Thursday, June 11, 2026. The passion of the coffee industry gathered at ADRIFT in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo. The Barista League Asia 2026 – one year after its inaugural event in Tokyo last year, The Barista League (TBL), which holds coffee competition events around the world, has returned to Japan once again.

The Barista League, a globally acclaimed coffee curation site based in Portland, was awarded Honoree in the Notable Event category of the 2024/2025 Sprudgie Awards. CROWD ROASTER Yamamoto, who served as a judge in the first round of judging, spoke directly with the organizers, judges, and competitors. In this first part, we share the philosophy of the Barista League and the evolution seen in its second Tokyo event, based on the words of those who support the event.

The Barista League (TBL) was founded in 2015 by Steve Moloney from Australia. Having won the Swedish National Barista Championship and competed in the World Barista Championship (WBC), he envisioned a completely different form of competition based on his experiences in those events.

TBL's project manager, Vasileia Fanarioti, explains.

"The Barista League is a competition centered on community inclusivity and accessibility. We provide equipment that anyone can use, ensure that anyone can receive advice on the competition, and make the rules clear. Our vision was to create a community where participants feel like they are not 'rivals' but 'friends who become companions along the way.' Now, 11 years later, this is the result of the community responding to that vision."

Currently, TBL is holding events on six continents. When asked why Tokyo was chosen, Vasileia answered without hesitation.

"For us, there was absolutely no hesitation. The coffee scene here is truly exciting, and in my opinion, it's the most exciting coffee scene in Asia. The response from the Japanese community last year was truly overwhelming, and it's still my personal favorite event."

Last year, when it was first held in Tokyo, I, Yamamoto, was involved as an ambassador. It wasn't very well known outside of people with a keen interest in overseas coffee culture, so I was worried about whether tickets would sell. But when all was said and done, it was a great success.

That track record led to this year's event. For the second year, held in Tokyo, the number of people involved and those paying attention had clearly grown in depth.

I managed to catch Vasileia and talk to her just before the event started. The door was about to open in 10 minutes.

"I think we've already succeeded. I think you can really feel it when the venue is packed and everyone is smiling, but it's not just the audience, the baristas, the judges, the roasters, my partners, my team—the energy is already there. I've felt it ever since I landed in Japan, and now, with the doors opening in 10 minutes, I'm already confident that we've succeeded."

One of the changes this year is the upgraded live streaming system. Last year, participants filmed the events themselves. This year, a professional film crew was brought in, and the event was streamed worldwide in real time. This initiative, which brings the stage to people who cannot attend the venue, is a concrete step towards the "accessibility" that the Barista League aims for.

Vasileia also spoke about the possibilities beyond that.

"If a partner who understands the true potential of this event comes along and provides strong financial support, we can have a better film crew, wider reach on social media, more content, and a stronger team. The more resources we have, the better we can do what we do best."

This year, the event started earlier than last year, at 2 PM, and was held on a weekday. While the number of spectators seemed slightly lower than last year, the enthusiasm of those who attended was undeniable.

Another notable difference at this year's Barista League compared to last year was the Roasters Village. While roasters did have booths within the venue last year, this year it was on a larger scale, expanding into a spacious area in front of the venue. Talented roasters from all over the country gathered there, creating a place where people could enjoy watching the competition and experiencing coffee at the same time.

The following 10 roasters will be participating this year.

Allpress Espresso Japan (Tokyo)

Weekenders Coffee (Kyoto)

Island Stone Coffee Roasters (Utsunomiya)

Days Coffee Roasters (Niigata)

Nakamura Coffee (Ise)

From Sapporo in the north to Hiroshima in the south, roasters from all over Japan gathered at Hikaru , embodying the idea that the Barista League is more than just a competition—it's a "festival of the coffee community."

Boran Um, one of this year's judges and the 2023 World Barista Champion, also said he was very impressed with this area.

"We have a roaster village, food, and the whole coffee community gathered in one place. The more opportunities we have to positively celebrate and share the community, the more that will shape our future."

Roasters who normally work with coffee in their respective cities gather in the same place for one day. Even after the competition ends, conversations about coffee continue among roasters, competitors, and spectators. The reason why this event belongs to "the entire coffee community" was encapsulated in this area.

This year, I was involved in this competition as a judge for the first round of judging. I am delighted to have been a part of the selection process for this globally recognized event.

The Barista League is a competition "open to everyone." Regardless of experience level, if you have a passion for coffee and creativity, the door to entry is open.

However, that's precisely why I feel this so strongly. The fact that "anyone can participate" also means that "you have to find your own reason for participating seriously." This stage is a place to confront the question, "What does a bright future for the coffee industry look like?" If you're going to talk about your coffee in this competition that will be broadcast to the world, I hope you'll think about that question Shin before you participate. That's what I felt after the first round of judging.

This year's judges for the main competition are a star-studded lineup.

The five judges were Ishii Yasuo ( LEAVES COFFEE ROASTERS ), Boram Um (2023 World Barista Champion), Kiyokazu Itsuki (2017 WBC Runner-up), Miyama Shinsaku (2016 World Latte Art Champion), and Thuy Nguyen (Q Grader/SCA Sensory Pro).

The event was emceed by Hidenori Izaki, the 2014 World Barista Champion, and Toshikazu Muromoto, editor-in-chief of the Japanese edition of STANDART magazine.

Ishii Yasuo , a roaster who participated in CROWD ROASTER and served as a judge for the second consecutive year, described the evolution of this year's competition as follows:

"This was the second time the event was held, and I was very impressed by the improved quality of the liquids. I think it's especially important to ensure quality in a competition like this that's open to everyone. In that respect, I felt that this year's event was a huge upgrade, with cameras present and worldwide live streaming."

And what Yasuo emphasizes most is the unique "atmosphere" of this tournament.

"I think this is the best competition to express laughter and love for coffee through coffee. The participants are having so much fun, and the judges are having fun too. It's truly the best."

To my question, "I'd really like you to do it again next year. I'm sure you'll get another offer to judge then," Yasuo immediately replied, "Absolutely, if I'm good enough for you!"

Boram Um, who served as a judge for the Barista League for the first time this year, described the differences between this competition and others as follows:

"The Barista League has a fun and relaxed atmosphere, but the evaluation criteria are well-structured. It feels closer to the everyday café experience, and that's what's great about it."

Coffee competitions are becoming increasingly specialized year after year. The Barista League is trying to offer one answer to this trend.

Vasileia explains: "I think competitions are a place where professionals can step onto the stage and showcase the 'pinnacle of their field.' It's the same for chefs, bartenders, and baristas; what they do isn't necessarily something that consumers are familiar with."

However, TBL aims for something beyond that.

"What we're trying to do is give consumers that opportunity too. For example, I watch cooking competition shows like MasterChef, and I don't cook like them, but I still enjoy watching it. It's the same thing; we want to deliver the world of coffee in an enjoyable and accessible way."

Boram Um evaluates the current barista league within the Japanese context as follows:

"I think this event is a great teaser. Especially since the WBC (World Barista Championship) will be held in Tokyo next year. From what I can see, Japan is at the forefront of the Asian coffee scene in terms of both the quality of consumption and culture. Japan will continue to lead the Asian market in the future."

With Tokyo set to host the 2027 World Baseball Classic, the Barista League Asia 2026 holds significant importance as a prelude to that event.

In the second part, we bring you the voices of the competitors who took to the stage. From Surf Coffee, who won for the second year in a row, to THE FLOATERS from kurasu, and THE VOLCANO BROTHERS, who made their debut from Kagoshima, we hear what they have to say about coffee, the challenge, and what lies beyond.