The Barista League, an international coffee event born in Sweden, is finally coming to Tokyo for the first time. It will be held in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
This event is a unique competition that tests not only professional skills, but also sense, creativity, teamwork, and "love of coffee."
This will be the first time the event is held in Asia, and it will bring together top baristas and coffee professionals from around the world.
This will be the first time the event is held in Asia, and it will bring together top baristas and coffee professionals from around the world.
From CROWD ROASTER , Yasuo from Leaves Coffee and advisor barista Takayuki Ishitani will also be taking part in the judging.
A unique competition format that sets it apart from traditional barista competitions
The Barista League started in Sweden in 2015 as a community event that local baristas could enjoy casually.
After 10 years of history, it has now grown into an international event attended by companies, baristas, and coffee professionals from all over the world.
After 10 years of history, it has now grown into an international event attended by companies, baristas, and coffee professionals from all over the world.
The Barista League is a new style of barista competition in which 10 teams (2 people per team) that have passed a document and video screening will use their practical barista skills to compete in speedy and diverse competitions.
The competition is divided into two main challenges: In the "Drink Challenge," participants have 15 minutes to create six drinks, including espresso, a plant-based beverage, a cold brew mocktail, filter coffee, and a non-coffee "mystery order." The judges will evaluate the taste and the level of completion.
Sensory Skills tests your senses to spot mysterious flavors in a five-minute tasting session.
At this year's Asian Games, the French press will be used as the device for extracting filter coffee. It is a classic device with a simple structure that extracts all the rich flavor and oils that are inherent to coffee beans, and it will be interesting to see how the baristas will show their creativity and technical skills with this classic device.
The competition is divided into two main challenges: In the "Drink Challenge," participants have 15 minutes to create six drinks, including espresso, a plant-based beverage, a cold brew mocktail, filter coffee, and a non-coffee "mystery order." The judges will evaluate the taste and the level of completion.
Sensory Skills tests your senses to spot mysterious flavors in a five-minute tasting session.
At this year's Asian Games, the French press will be used as the device for extracting filter coffee. It is a classic device with a simple structure that extracts all the rich flavor and oils that are inherent to coffee beans, and it will be interesting to see how the baristas will show their creativity and technical skills with this classic device.
The winner will receive a "once in a lifetime experience"
The team with the highest score in these competitions will be awarded a trip to a secret coffee-growing region, where they will have the rare opportunity to experience the traditions and culture of the coffee-growing region along with The Barista League winners from around the world.
The Barista League originated with the desire to "bring the joy of the coffee industry to all baristas," and is unique in that it is designed as a competition that anyone can take part in, regardless of experience or career history.
The Barista League originated with the desire to "bring the joy of the coffee industry to all baristas," and is unique in that it is designed as a competition that anyone can take part in, regardless of experience or career history.
A lineup of impressive judges and plenty of content for visitors to enjoy
The event will feature roaster Yasuo , barista Ishitani, as well as a panel of top judges and special guests from across Japan's coffee industry.
<Judges & Guests>
Kiyokazu (BrewPeace Inc.), Yasuo (Leaves Coffee Roasters), Takayuki Ishitani, Shinsaku Miyama (Barista Map Coffee Roasters), Daiki Hatakeyama (Bespoke Coffee Roasters), Hidenori Izaki (BrewPeace Inc.), Toshikazu Muromoto (Standart Magazine)
Besides the competition, there are plenty of other exciting events for visitors to enjoy, such as the "Roasters Village" where a wide range of roasters from popular to up-and-coming roasters gather, "The Barista League Café" where competitors serve visitors drinks made during the competition, and participatory games with industry-leading partner companies.
Besides the competition, there are plenty of other exciting events for visitors to enjoy, such as the "Roasters Village" where a wide range of roasters from popular to up-and-coming roasters gather, "The Barista League Café" where competitors serve visitors drinks made during the competition, and participatory games with industry-leading partner companies.
Why not take advantage of this rare opportunity to experience cutting-edge coffee culture?
<Event summary>
The Barista League 2025 Asia – Tokyo
Date and time: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 17:00~
Venue: Adrift (Shimokitazawa, Tokyo)
Ticket price: 3,264 yen (separate drink ticket fee of 600 yen required)
Official site: https://www.thebaristaleague.com/2025-tbl-asia-japanese
The Barista League is scheduled to be held in six regions around the world in 2025. Following the Asian Games, it is scheduled to be held in Montreal, Canada (North America) in September, Johannesburg, South Africa (Africa) in October, and Sydney, Australia (Pacific) in November.
